The Supreme Court is set to hear the bail pleas of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia on Monday, July 29, concerning the corruption and money laundering cases linked to the alleged liquor scam in Delhi. Sisodia, who has been in custody for 16 months, is seeking bail on the grounds that the trial against him has not progressed since October last year.

According to the cause list of July 29 uploaded on the Supreme Court website, a bench of Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan will hear Sisodia's pleas. The top court had agreed to hear these pleas on July 16 and sought responses from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Background of the Case

Manish Sisodia was arrested by the CBI on February 26, 2023, in connection with alleged irregularities in the formulation and implementation of the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy 2021-22. Subsequently, the ED arrested him on March 9, 2023, in the money laundering case stemming from the CBI's First Information Report (FIR). Following his arrest, Sisodia resigned from the Delhi cabinet on February 28, 2023.

The allegations against Sisodia include "windfall gains" of Rs 338 crore to wholesale liquor dealers, which the court stated were "tentatively supported" by evidence. On October 30, 2023, the Supreme Court denied him bail, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges.

Previous Bail Attempts

Sisodia's bail pleas have been rejected multiple times. On June 4, 2023, the Supreme Court refused to entertain his bail pleas in both the corruption and money laundering cases. The court noted that Sisodia could revive his bail petitions once the ED and the CBI filed their final prosecution complaint and charge sheet, respectively.

On May 21, 2023, the Delhi High Court dismissed his bail pleas, which Sisodia had challenged after the trial court's April 30 order rejecting his bail applications.

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The Supreme Court's October 30 order provided Sisodia with the liberty to seek bail again if there were changes in circumstances or if the trial became protracted. Sisodia's current bail applications are based on his contention that the trial has stalled since October last year, and no significant progress has been made.

Legal Proceedings and Investigation

The Supreme Court's agreement to hear the pleas and seek responses from the CBI and ED signifies the gravity of the case and the need for a thorough judicial review. The investigation into the alleged liquor scam involves intricate details about policy formulation, implementation, and financial transactions, requiring meticulous examination by the investigative agencies.

The CBI and ED are expected to present their findings and justifications for Sisodia's continued custody during the hearing. The examination of evidence, witness statements, and financial records will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the bail pleas.

Implications and Public Interest

The case against Manish Sisodia has significant political and public interest implications. As a prominent leader of the Aam Aadmi Party and a former member of the Delhi cabinet, Sisodia's legal battles and the outcomes of these proceedings are closely watched by political analysts, party supporters, and the general public.

The allegations of corruption and money laundering in the Delhi excise policy, if proven, could have far-reaching consequences for the AAP's credibility and governance in Delhi. Conversely, if Sisodia's bail pleas are granted and he is eventually acquitted, it could bolster his political standing and raise questions about the conduct of the investigative agencies.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court's decision on Manish Sisodia's bail pleas will be a critical juncture in the ongoing legal saga surrounding the alleged Delhi liquor scam. As the hearing unfolds on July 29, all eyes will be on the courtroom, awaiting a verdict that could influence the political and legal landscape in Delhi and beyond. The investigation's progress, judicial scrutiny, and the responses from the CBI and ED will shape the next steps in this high-profile case.

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