Kejriwal-Manish Sisodia Acquitted in Liquor Scam, Court Says - Allegations Cannot Be Proven Without Evidence
A Delhi court has acquitted former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia from allegations linked to the liquor policy case, emphasizing the lack of solid evidence.
In a significant ruling, the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi has acquitted Arvind Kejriwal, the former Chief Minister of Delhi and national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party, along with Manish Sisodia, in connection with the much-discussed liquor policy case. The court stated that mere allegations are insufficient for a verdict; it requires robust and substantial evidence to support any claims. The ruling highlights the inadequacy and weakness of the evidence presented by the investigative agency, indicating that the charges against them were not substantiated adequately.
The court's decision follows a sequence of acquittals that began with Kuldeep Singh, the former Commissioner of the Excise Department, who was also cleared of charges. This sequential acquittal process showcases the court's stance on the quality of evidence required to hold individuals accountable in such serious allegations. The order pointed out numerous deficiencies in the charge sheet submitted by the investigative agency, suggesting that many issues raised were not satisfactorily addressed.
In response to the ruling, the investigative agency expressed dissatisfaction and plans to challenge the order in the High Court, indicating a continuing legal battle ahead. The CBI lawyers have hinted at appealing against the court's decision, emphasizing that they believe the ruling needs more detailed scrutiny. This verdict may have significant implications for the political landscape in Delhi, as it impacts not only the accused individuals but also the broader perceptions of political accountability and the effectiveness of the investigations into allegations against public officials.