Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia Released from Jail 17 Months After Arrest in Liquor Policy Case

In a significant turn of events, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia walked out of Delhi’s Tihar Jail on Friday evening, as rain finally broke over the capital after a day of heavy clouds. The former Deputy Chief Minister’s release follows a Supreme Court decision earlier in the day granting him bail in connection with the alleged liquor policy scam.

As Sisodia emerged from the prison, he was greeted by a crowd of jubilant AAP supporters, despite the rain. Taking a moment to address the gathering, he expressed profound gratitude and spoke of the sense of responsibility he now carries.

“Ever since this order came in the morning, every inch of my skin has been feeling indebted to Babasaheb (Ambedkar). I don’t understand how (I) will pay this debt to Babasaheb…” Sisodia said, his voice resonating with emotion.

Reflecting on the events that led to his incarceration, Sisodia continued, “I have come out of jail due to your love, God’s blessings and the power of truth, and biggest of all, the dream of Babasaheb – that if any dictatorial government comes to power and puts Opposition leaders behind bars by forming dictatorial laws, then this country’s Constitution will protect them…” He concluded by assuring his supporters that with the power of the Constitution, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal would also find his way out of jail soon.

Following his release, Sisodia made his way to Chief Minister Kejriwal’s residence in Delhi’s Civil Lines area.

The Supreme Court’s decision to grant Sisodia bail came after his eighth appeal. Notably, this comes after he was permitted to visit his ailing wife last year. Sisodia, who was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in February 2023, and subsequently by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) just 12 days later, had been in custody for nearly 18 months.

The Supreme Court’s ruling was accompanied by strong words, with the bench, comprising Justice BR Gavai and Justice KV Viswanathan, describing Sisodia’s prolonged imprisonment as a “travesty of justice.” The court criticized the trial court and Delhi High Court for not recognizing the violation of Sisodia’s right to liberty by keeping him in jail for an extended period.

“In a matter pertaining to the life and liberty of a citizen – which is one of the most sacrosanct rights guaranteed by the Constitution – a citizen cannot be made to run from pillar to post,” the court asserted.

AAP leaders and supporters celebrated the ruling as a triumph of truth. Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha took to social media, proclaiming, “The entire country is happy today as Manish Sisodia, hero of the Delhi education revolution, got bail.” Sanjay Singh, another AAP leader, who was also arrested in connection with the case but later released on bail, described the verdict as a rebuke to what he termed the “Centre’s dictatorship.”

As a condition of his release, Sisodia must surrender his passport and report to the Investigating Officer every Monday. The court also issued a stern warning that any tampering with evidence could lead to his return to jail.