The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has accused former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia and other defendants of intentionally prolonging the trial in the money laundering case linked to the now-defunct Delhi excise policy. In opposition to Sisodia’s bail plea, the central agency asserted that he, along with other members of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), orchestrated the drafting of the policy and received illicit kickbacks totaling ₹100 crore.
During court proceedings, Sisodia’s party colleague Sanjay Singh, who was recently granted bail by the Supreme Court, also appeared in court.
The ED disclosed that a total of 95 applications seeking similar relief have been filed by the accused, with Sisodia alone submitting six. The agency highlighted the filing of frivolous applications by the accused, resulting in costs being imposed by the previous judge.
In response to Sisodia’s second bail plea, the ED emphasized that the delay in the trial was not caused by the prosecution but by the accused themselves. The agency pointed out concerted efforts by Sisodia and others to prolong the legal proceedings.
The court has scheduled further arguments for April 10, extending the hearing.
Sisodia, who previously oversaw 18 out of 33 portfolios in the Delhi government led by Arvind Kejriwal, is currently held in custody after being arrested in connection with the same case. Both the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the ED have alleged irregularities in the modification of the Delhi excise policy, including granting undue favors to license holders, waiving or reducing license fees, and extending licenses without proper authorization.
