New Delhi: A city court has granted interim bail to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who faces corruption and money laundering charges related to alleged irregularities in the now-defunct Delhi Excise Policy. The bail, issued to allow Sisodia to attend his nieces wedding, spans from February 13 to February 15.Interim relief grantedSpecial judge MK Nagpal provided relief to Sisodia in both cases registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Earlier, Sisodias plea to visit his ailing wife once a week while in custody had been approved by the court. The recent interim bail comes amid ongoing legal proceedings.Background of the caseSisodia is currently held in judicial custody at Tihar Jail. The allegations against him stem from accusations that the Delhi Excise Policy was manipulated to favor private liquor entities in exchange for kickbacks. He was arrested by the CBI on corruption charges on February 26 and subsequently arrested by the ED on money laundering charges.Legal proceedings and Supreme Courts decisionThe Supreme Court had previously rejected Sisodias bail petitions in both cases on October 30, citing evidence supporting allegations of substantial gains to wholesale liquor dealers. Sisodia has since filed a curative petition before the apex court, seeking reconsideration of its decision.High courts stanceThe Delhi High Court had also declined to grant bail to Sisodia, upholding the trial courts order. It deemed the allegations against him serious and noted his purported involvement in a conspiracy to benefit private liquor entities illegally.Moving forwardSisodias curative petition awaits listing before the Supreme Court, offering a potential avenue for further legal recourse.
