In a dramatic turn in the long-running Delhi Excise Policy case, Arvind Kejriwal turned visibly emotional and broke down before cameras on Friday after a Delhi court discharged him and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in the case registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Calling the verdict a “victory of truth and justice,” Kejriwal said the court’s order reaffirmed what he had maintained from the beginning — that the allegations against him were politically motivated and baseless.
“My Faith in the Judiciary Has Strengthened”
Addressing reporters outside the court complex, Kejriwal, struggling to hold back tears, said the ruling restored his faith in the judicial process.
“We have always said that we are innocent. Today, truth has won,” he said, adding that the judgment vindicated his party’s stand that there was no corruption in the now-scrapped Delhi Excise Policy.
Sisodia, who had also faced prolonged legal scrutiny and incarceration in connection with the case, described the court’s decision as a moment of relief not just for them but for their supporters.
Background: The Excise Policy Controversy
The case stemmed from allegations surrounding the 2021–22 Delhi Excise Policy, which was later scrapped amid claims of procedural irregularities and alleged kickbacks. The CBI had registered a case accusing senior officials and political leaders of favouring certain liquor traders in exchange for undue benefits.
Both Kejriwal and Sisodia had consistently denied wrongdoing, arguing that the policy was designed to increase revenue and curb black marketing in the liquor trade.
Political Ripples Expected
The court’s discharge order is likely to have significant political ramifications, especially with national and state-level electoral dynamics in play. The ruling could bolster Kejriwal’s position within his party and among supporters who viewed the case as part of a broader political confrontation.
For the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the verdict provides an opportunity to reset its narrative and push back against corruption allegations that have dominated headlines over the past two years.
What Lies Ahead?
While the discharge in the CBI case marks a major relief for Kejriwal and Sisodia, legal and political observers note that developments in related investigations could still shape the broader landscape. For now, however, Friday’s court order stands as a significant moment in the protracted legal battle.
As Kejriwal told reporters, wiping away tears:
“We never lost faith in the truth. Today, the truth has prevailed.”
