Excise policy case: Delhi HC issues notice on CBI plea against discharge of Kejriwal, Sisodia

March 9, 2026

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Monday issued notice to AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, and 21 others on a plea filed by the CBI challenging their discharge in the Delhi excise policy case. Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma stayed the trial court’s direction for departmental action against the investigating CBI officer and asked the Rouse Avenue Court to defer proceedings in the linked ED money laundering case until the HC decides on the CBI’s petition.

Solicitor General calls discharge “perverse,” alleges major scam in Delhi
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that the trial court’s order discharging Kejriwal, Sisodia, and others was “perverse” and effectively amounted to acquittal without trial. He said the case involved “one of the biggest scams in the history of the national capital” and that the excise policy was manipulated to benefit certain traders.

CBI claims scientific probe proves bribery and conspiracy
Mehta submitted that the CBI’s investigation had collected substantial material, including emails, WhatsApp chats, and witness statements, showing how the policy was designed to benefit private liquor entities in exchange for bribes. The agency claimed the policy resulted in undue favours and losses to the public exchequer.

Trial court had discharged all 23 accused, citing lack of corroborative material
The trial court had earlier discharged all accused, rejecting the theory of an overarching conspiracy and holding that the policy was created through a consultative process. The CBI, however, contends that this decision amounted to an acquittal without a full trial and challenged the discharge in the High Court.