Court Acquits Arvind Kejriwal in Liquor Policy Case

In a watershed moment for Indian politics, a Delhi court has formally acquitted the former Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, and his erstwhile deputy, Manish Sisodia, of all charges pertaining to the controversial 2021–22 excise policy. The verdict, delivered on Friday, effectively dismantles the central premise of a case that has dominated headlines and disrupted the governance of the National Capital Territory for over three years.

Presiding Judge Jitendra Singh delivered a scathing critique of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), asserting that the prosecution failed to establish any "far-reaching conspiracy" or "criminal intent" behind the formulation of the liquor policy. The court noted that while the policy may have been subject to administrative debate, the transition from policy-making to criminal misconduct requires "cogent and robust evidence"—something the CBI was unable to provide.

The Rise and Fall of the "Liquor Scam"

The saga began in November 2021, when the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government introduced a new excise regime. The policy aimed to modernise the liquor trade by exiting the retail business entirely, handing over operations to private players, and increasing state revenue while curbing the black market. However, following a report by Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena alleging financial irregularities and procedural lapses, the policy was scrapped eight months later.

The fallout was seismic. Manish Sisodia, then the Deputy Chief Minister, was arrested in February 2023 and spent 18 months behind bars. Arvind Kejriwal followed in March 2024, becoming the first sitting Chief Minister in Indian history to be arrested while in office.

Judicial Reprimand of Federal Agencies

The court did not merely acquit the accused; it turned its gaze toward the investigators. Judge Singh expressed deep reservations regarding the CBI's tactic of turning suspects into "approvers" (prosecution witnesses) to build a case. Furthermore, the court directed that a departmental inquiry be initiated against the CBI officers responsible for naming Kuldeep Singh, a public servant, as the primary accused without sufficient grounds.

"Failure to provide substantial evidence in cases of such gravity erodes public confidence in our state institutions," the judge remarked, highlighting the systemic dangers of speculative prosecution.

A Vindicated Leadership

Outside the courtroom, an emotional Arvind Kejriwal addressed a sea of supporters and journalists. Having built his career on the 2011 Anna Hazare anti-corruption movement, the former Chief Minister described the ordeal as a "political witch-hunt" designed to tarnish his reputation as a "fiercely honest" leader.

"I have always maintained that truth is on my side," Kejriwal stated, visibly moved. "A sitting Chief Minister was dragged from his home and cast into a cell based on nothing but hearsay. Today, the truth has finally prevailed."

While the CBI has indicated its intention to appeal the acquittal in the High Court, claiming the trial court ignored critical facets of their investigation, the current ruling provides a massive strategic boost to the Aam Aadmi Party. With their leadership cleared of the "liquor scam" stigma, the party looks to regain the political capital lost during their leaders' lengthy incarcerations.