Supreme Court Slams Delay, Grants Bail to Manish Sisodia in Delhi Excise Policy Case

Supreme Court Slams Delay, Grants Bail to Manish Sisodia in Delhi Excise Policy Case

In a landmark decision that underscores the fundamental right to a speedy trial, the Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia, who had been in custody for 17 months over allegations linked to the Delhi excise policy scam. The apex court’s ruling came as a sharp critique of the prolonged judicial process, highlighting the principle that “bail is the rule, jail is an exception.”

A Travesty of Justice

A bench comprising Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan delivered the verdict, noting that Sisodia had been incarcerated for an extensive period without the commencement of his trial. The court expressed its concerns over the denial of Sisodia’s right to a speedy trial, stating that it would be a “travesty of justice” to send him back to the trial court without addressing his bail plea.

The court’s observations also pointed out that the trial courts and high courts must recognize that bail should not be withheld as a form of punishment. This stance emphasizes the judiciary’s commitment to upholding individual liberties, particularly in cases where the accused has already spent a significant amount of time in custody without any substantial progress in the trial.

The Case Background

Manish Sisodia, the former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on February 26, 2023, over alleged irregularities in the formulation and implementation of the Delhi excise policy for the year 2021-22. Following his arrest, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) also took him into custody on March 9, 2023, in connection with the money laundering case that stemmed from the CBI’s initial charges.

Despite the serious allegations, the case has seen little movement in the courts, with Sisodia remaining behind bars for over 17 months. During this time, the delay in framing charges and commencing the trial has been a point of contention, with Sisodia’s defense arguing that his continued detention was unjustified.

Court’s Critical Observations

The Supreme Court’s decision to grant bail was accompanied by strong remarks against the delays in the judicial process. The bench criticized the lower courts for not giving adequate consideration to the principle that “bail is the rule and jail is an exception.” The court made it clear that the prolonged incarceration of Sisodia, without a trial, was untenable and that bail could not be rejected as a form of punishment.

Justice Gavai, during the hearing, pointed out that the prosecution had named 493 witnesses in the case, making it highly unlikely that the trial would conclude anytime soon. The court questioned the practicality of continuing to detain Sisodia under such circumstances, especially when most of the evidence was documentary and already in the possession of the investigating agencies.

Implications of the Verdict

The Supreme Court’s ruling not only provides immediate relief to Manish Sisodia but also sets a significant precedent for future cases involving lengthy pre-trial detentions. By reaffirming the principle that the right to liberty is “sacrosanct,” the court has sent a clear message to lower courts about the importance of timely trials and the judicious use of bail.

The decision also casts a critical light on the conduct of federal agencies in handling high-profile cases. The court’s remarks about the “unrealistic” expectations of concluding the trial swiftly and the alleged use of delaying tactics by the prosecution highlight the need for a more efficient and fair judicial process.

In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s verdict is a reminder of the importance of safeguarding individual rights within the legal system. The ruling emphasizes that justice delayed is justice denied and reinforces the judiciary’s role in protecting the fundamental freedoms of all citizens, regardless of the charges they face.

“Supreme Court’s Landmark Ruling: Manish Sisodia Granted Bail After 17-Month Detention in Delhi Excise Policy Case”

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