Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who has been in prison for over a year in connection with the Delhi excise policy case, has been allowed to meet his ailing wife and consult with doctors once a week. The Rouse Avenue Court issued this relief on Monday, considering Sisodia”s request for regular weekly custody parole.
This development follows Sisodia”s previous custody parole during Diwali last November. In his recent plea, Sisodia sought permission to meet his wife weekly, with the court noting that the application encompasses both a request for regular bail and weekly custody parole to visit his ailing wife for two days.
Sisodia was arrested by the CBI on February 26 last year and subsequently by the ED on March 9. He faces allegations from the ED, claiming that activities associated with him have generated proceeds of crime amounting to approximately ₹622 crore. Two days following his arrest by the CBI, Manish Sisodia resigned from the Delhi cabinet.
His previous bail applications were turned down by both the High Court and the trial court on May 30 of the preceding year. The Supreme Court dismissed his bail petition on October 30, citing the tentative establishment of at least one charge of windfall gains amounting to ₹338 crore made by wholesalers.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court today agreed to list Sisodia”s curative plea challenging the dismissal of his bail in the Delhi excise policy 2021-22 case. Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing Sisodia, emphasised the urgent need for listing, highlighting his year-long incarceration. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud assured that the petitions would be promptly listed.
While ordering a swift trial completion within six to eight months, the court allowed Sisodia the option to seek bail again if the proceedings linger at a slow pace.
Sisodia”s arrest is tied to the Delhi government”s excise policy on November 17, 2021. However, the policy faced revocation in September 2022 amid corruption allegations. The investigating agencies said that the revised policy significantly increased the profit margin for wholesalers, jumping from 5 percent to 12 percent.
These agencies further contend that the policy fostered cartelisation, favoring individuals ineligible for liquor licenses in pursuit of financial gains. Both the Delhi government and Sisodia said that the revised policy was intended to boost the city government”s revenue.
The next hearing on Sisodia”s regular bail plea will take place on February 12.
