Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was released from jail on Friday, 17 months after his arrest. His release followed a Supreme Court decision granting him bail earlier in the day. Sisodia had been in custody over alleged involvement in corruption and money laundering linked to the controversial Delhi excise policy scam.As Sisodia walked out of the jail, visuals captured jubilant party workers and supporters chanting slogans like Bharat Mata Ki Jai and Inquilab Zindabad, celebrating his release.Supreme courts rulingThe Supreme Courts decision, delivered by a bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan, granted Sisodia bail without any conditions. The court highlighted the prolonged incarceration of Sisodia, stating that his right to a speedy trial had been compromised.In its 38-page verdict, the bench remarked, We find that on account of a long period of incarceration running for around 17 months and the trial even not having been commenced, the appellant (Sisodia) has been deprived of his right to a speedy trial. Justice Gavai further stated, The Delhi High Court order is quashed and set aside. He is granted bail in both Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau Of Investigation (CBI) cases.जेल से रिहा हुए मनीष सिसोदिया #ManishSisodiya #AAP #Jail #IndiaDailyLive @msisodia @nainayadav_06 pic.twitter.com/8EWZpbOKjK— India Daily Live (@IndiaDLive) August 9, 2024Courts emphasis on bail principlesThe court also stressed that there was no risk of Sisodia fleeing the country, emphasizing the principle that bail is the rule and jail is an exception. The ruling noted that Sisodia has deep roots in society, making it unlikely that he would abscond. As part of the bail conditions, Sisodia is required to furnish a bail bond of Rs 2 lakh, surrender his passport, and report to the police station as needed.Legal cases against SisodiaManish Sisodia was initially arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on February 26, 2023, in connection with the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy for 2021-22. Following this, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested him on March 9, 2023, in a money laundering case related to the CBIs First Information Report (FIR).
