ibn sultan
New Delhi, Feb 27, 2026: A Delhi court on Friday discharged former Chief Minister and former Deputy Chief Minister in the Delhi excise policy case, delivering a sharp rebuke to the (CBI) and ruling that the prosecution failed to substantiate its allegations with credible evidence.
The court held that claims of a larger conspiracy and criminal intent did not withstand judicial scrutiny, observing that the material on record pointed to administrative decision-making rather than any criminal wrongdoing. It noted that serious allegations require strong supporting evidence and that attributing a central conspiratorial role without material proof undermines public confidence in constitutional offices.
While discharging Sisodia, the court said the prosecution’s case did not survive judicial examination and found no evidence suggesting criminal intent on his part. It observed that documents and statements on record reflected institutional deliberations and consultations at multiple levels during the formulation of the excise policy.
The court further stated that the prosecution’s theory of an overarching conspiracy suffered from internal contradictions and lacked evidentiary force.
Court Questions CBI Probe
In its order, the court raised significant concerns about the CBI’s investigation. It questioned why certain statements and expert opinions were not included in the official records, pointing to possible gaps in the probe. The judge also sought clarity on the agency’s claim that opinions of three legal experts supported its case, indicating doubts over the interpretation of the material.
Additionally, the court objected to the prosecution’s use of the term “South Group,” observing that the expression lacked clarity and proper evidentiary basis in the case record.
Kejriwal Reacts: “Truth Always Wins”
Reacting to the verdict, Kejriwal said “truth always prevails” and thanked the judiciary for delivering justice. Speaking to the media, he became emotional and described the case as the “biggest political conspiracy in independent India,” alleging that it was aimed at dismantling the by jailing its top leaders.
“The sitting Chief Minister was dragged from his house and put in jail for six months. Our Deputy Chief Minister, Manish Sisodia ji, was kept in jail for almost two years. It was a completely fake case,” Kejriwal said.
He further alleged that the case damaged his party’s image and urged the central government not to “play with the country and the Constitution” for political power, adding that governance and public welfare should take priority over political rivalry.
