Manish Sisodia Wins Big as Supreme Court Eases Bail Terms, Drops Twice-a-Week Reporting to CBI, ED – Read to Know What’s Next!

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Supreme Court has relaxed the bail conditions for former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, stating that it is no longer necessary for him to report to the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) offices twice a week. The ruling applies to both the CBI and ED cases related to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam.

The court's decision comes after Sisodia's lawyer, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, pointed out that the AAP leader had already appeared before the investigating agencies 60 times. Sisodia had been arrested by the CBI on February 26, 2023, over suspected irregularities in the Delhi excise policy for 2021-22. He was arrested again by the ED in a related money laundering case on March 9, 2023. Sisodia spent 17 months in prison before being granted bail by the Supreme Court on August 9, 2024. The court, in its order, emphasized the principle that "bail is the rule and jail is the exception" and noted the delay in starting the trial. Along with granting bail, the court had imposed conditions, including regular appearances before the investigating agencies to ensure cooperation in the investigation.

Although the court has relaxed the condition requiring Sisodia to report twice a week, he will still be required to attend trial court proceedings regularly. This decision has come as a significant relief for Sisodia ahead of the high-profile Delhi Assembly elections, where he is contesting from the Jangpura seat. On Tuesday, he launched his election campaign with a 'Hanuman Chalisa' recital with local residents in his new constituency. Sisodia, previously elected from Patparganj, was moved to Jangpura, while the ruling Aam Aadmi Party fielded educator Avadh Ojha from his old constituency. The Delhi Assembly elections are scheduled for February next year, and the AAP aims for a third consecutive term in power.