New Delhi: In a significant development, the Supreme Court has granted bail to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sanjay Singh in the ongoing investigation of the Delhi excise policy case. This decision came after the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is conducting the probe, informed the court that they have no objections to Singh’s release.
The apex court ordered that Singh should be released on bail while the case proceedings are active, with the specific terms and conditions to be determined by the trial court. The court also emphasized that this bail should not set a precedent for future cases.
Sanjay Singh’s release has been met with reactions from his party members. AAP leader Somnath Bharti claimed the federal agency’s actions have been “exposed,” while Delhi minister Atishi Marlena celebrated the news with a message of “Satyamev Jayate” on social media platform X.
This update follows the recent judicial custody of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal until April 15 in relation to the same scandal, dubbed ‘liquorgate’.
Background on Sanjay Singh’s Arrest:
Sanjay Singh was taken into custody by the anti-corruption agency on October 4, 2023, following a raid on his residence linked to the alleged money laundering activities associated with the Delhi excise policy. He was the third AAP leader to be arrested in connection with the case.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had previously criticized the arrests as politically motivated, suggesting that the ruling BJP party was using the ED as a tool to intimidate the opposition ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Kejriwal had described Singh as a “lion” and assured that legal action would be pursued.
Prior to Singh’s arrest, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was also apprehended in the liquorgate scandal. Sisodia’s arrest by the CBI occurred on February 26, and he resigned from his position two days later. The ED took him into custody on March 9, and he remains in judicial custody at Tihar Jail.
