Sibal Seeks Accountability for Jail Term After Kejriwal Discharge

February 28, 2026

New Delhi: Senior lawyer and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Saturday welcomed the recent discharge of Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and other accused in the CBI’s Delhi excise policy case but also raised serious questions about accountability for the time they spent behind bars. His remarks came shortly after a Rouse Avenue Court dismissed the charges against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders and others due to lack of evidence.

While Sibal termed the court’s decision a “very important development in upholding the rule of law,” he also questioned how the prolonged investigation and incarceration affected the lives and reputations of the accused. “The court has discharged Kejriwal, Sisodia and others… now the question arises — who will answer for the period they spent in jail?” he asked, highlighting the need for accountability from investigating agencies.

Long Incarceration Before Discharge

Sibal pointed out that Kejriwal and Sisodia endured extensive periods in custody even before the trial could properly proceed. Kejriwal was jailed for 126 days, whereas Sisodia spent 503 days in jail during the lengthy investigation, despite the eventual judicial finding that the charges did not meet the threshold for a prima facie case. The senior advocate stressed that this raises fundamental questions about the right to liberty and the efficiency of investigative agencies.

He drew parallels with other high-profile cases, arguing that prolonged probes by investigative agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), even in the absence of solid evidence, can unjustly tarnish reputations and destabilize public trust in legal processes. Sibal cited the cases involving Congress leader P. Chidambaram as another instance where a lengthy investigation failed to yield convictions.

Criticism of CBI’s Investigation Practices

Addressing reporters, Sibal was critical of what he described as deliberate stalling tactics by the CBI. “Investigations keep going on with no conclusion, and people remain in jail for years. And then, of course, nothing happens in the case,” he said, asserting that such actions can look politically motivated. He claimed that these prolonged legal battles often coincide with election cycles and political strategies, thereby impacting the democratic process.

Sibal also noted that despite allegations of a ₹100 crore scam linked to the Delhi excise policy, the court found no evidence of financial irregularities, no recoveries, and no clear money trails, questioning the basis on which such long detentions were justified in the first place.

Political Reactions and Broader Debate

The discharge of Kejriwal and Sisodia has triggered a wider political debate. Leaders from the AAP have celebrated the verdict as vindication, with Punjab AAP president Aman Arora demanding apologies from the BJP-led central government for what he described as an orchestrated political conspiracy. Critics from opposition parties have labelled the prolonged investigation and arrests as misuse of central agencies for political ends.

On the other hand, the CBI has moved the Delhi High Court, seeking to challenge the trial court’s decision and continue its probe. The agency argues that crucial aspects of the investigation were inadequately considered, setting the stage for a prolonged legal battle ahead.

Implications for Justice and Future Probes

Sibal’s call for accountability underscores broader concerns about the balance between investigative zeal and protection of constitutional rights. Legal experts and civil liberties advocates have echoed similar apprehensions, suggesting that without clear checks and balances, prolonged detentions based on weak evidence could undermine trust in institutions meant to uphold justice.

As the political and legal tussle continues with the CBI’s appeal and potential High Court hearing the conversation on judicial safeguards and procedural reforms is likely to gain further momentum in the coming weeks and months.