New Delhi: The Supreme Court has decided to postpone the hearing of Manish Sisodia’s requests for release until September 4. These requests are related to two Delhi excise policy cases that are currently being investigated by the CBI and ED. Sisodia, a leader in the AAP party, had requested release based on his wife’s health condition.
After reviewing records, a bench consisting of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and SVN Bhatti determined that Sisodias wife’s condition is currently “fairly stable.”
The Supreme Court has stated its intention to address Sisodia’s release requests with his regular pleas for release in these cases. Previously on July 14, the court had instructed the CBI and ED to provide their responses to Sisodia’s requests for release.
Importantly the CBI strongly opposes Sisodia’s request for bail, alleging that he is the person for the alleged conspiracy relating to irregularities in the liquor policy case. The CBI had taken Sisodia into custody on February 2 when he held positions as Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi and excise minister following allegations of his involvement in irregularities regarding liquor policies.
The investigation suggests that liquor companies played a role, in influencing the Delhi excise policy to ensure profits of 12%. The CBI alleges that there was a group called the “South Group ” connected to the liquor industry, which provided kickbacks to officials in order to influence this policy. According to their claims, around 6% of the 12% profit was channelled to servants through intermediaries.