The Supreme Court has postponed the bail hearing for former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia to October 4 at the request of both parties’ lawyers. Sisodia is under investigation for alleged money laundering related to the Delhi excise policy.
Sisodia’s lawyer, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, highlighted the urgency of the matter due to his wife’s severe health condition, seeking interim bail. He also sought regular bail for separate cases involving alleged discrepancies in the Delhi excise policy investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Singhvi mentioned that news articles regarding the case are published each time it is listed. The bench responded that they hadn’t read the newspapers and it didn’t concern them, advising to get accustomed to it. Singhvi stated he would prepare a timeline of news reports along with court listing dates.
The ED and CBI have opposed Sisodia’s bail plea, presenting charts illustrating the alleged criminal activities and benefits derived from Sisodia’s changes to the excise policy during his tenure.
Sisodia moved the apex court challenging two orders from the Delhi High Court denying him bail in the ED and CBI cases. He also sought interim bail due to his wife’s prolonged illness.
Medical reports from July 29 indicated his wife’s deteriorating condition, prompting his humanitarian plea for temporary release. The apex court noted her present stability and prioritized hearing his regular bail plea, leading to the October 4 date.
Sisodia was arrested by the CBI on February 26 under various charges related to the Delhi excise policy. He argues that the charges against him carry less than 7 years imprisonment, and the investigation hasn’t linked him to money laundering.
In April, the trial court denied bail based on evidence suggesting Sisodia’s involvement in generating proceeds of crime, allegedly around ₹100 crores in kickbacks.
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