August 9: On Friday, the Supreme Court granted bail to former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia in the Delhi excise policy cases investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The Court highlighted that his 17-month-long imprisonment, combined with the fact that his trial is unlikely to conclude soon, violates his fundamental right to liberty and a speedy trial under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. The Court also criticized the Delhi High Court and lower courts for not adhering to the principle that bail should be the norm and jail the exception.
Sisodia was released from Tihar Jail on Friday evening, where Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders and supporters gathered to welcome him. According to a senior AAP leader, Sisodia, who previously held key portfolios like finance, education, and PWD, is expected to be re-inducted into the cabinet. However, it remains unclear whether this will happen before or after CM Arvind Kejriwal, who is also in jail, secures bail. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) responded by pointing out that while Sisodia has been granted bail, he has not yet been cleared of the charges against him.
