The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on the bail pleas filed by senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia in the alleged liquor policy scam. The court has directed the CBI and ED to file their reply by July 29. Sisodia's counsel argued that he has been in custody for 16 months and that the trial has not made significant progress since October 2023. The Supreme Court had previously denied bail to Sisodia but allowed him to apply again if the trial did not proceed expeditiously in the next three months. The Delhi High Court also rejected Sisodia's bail plea, stating that he did not meet the criteria for bail in the corruption case and the conditions under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Sisodia has filed special leave petitions before the Supreme Court challenging the High Court's decision. The court has directed the matter to be listed before a different bench after a judge recused himself from hearing Sisodia's bail pleas. Sisodia's judicial custody has been extended until July 22 [2f53a186].
This development highlights the ongoing legal battle faced by Manish Sisodia in the alleged liquor policy scam. The notice issued by the Supreme Court to the CBI and ED indicates that the court is actively considering Sisodia's bail pleas and has sought a response from the investigating agencies. Sisodia's counsel's argument about the slow progress of the trial underscores the need for a speedy resolution to the case. The previous denial of bail by both the Supreme Court and the Delhi High Court reflects the seriousness of the charges against Sisodia and the stringent criteria for granting bail in corruption and money laundering cases. Sisodia's decision to file special leave petitions before the Supreme Court demonstrates his determination to challenge the High Court's decision and seek relief from the apex court [2f53a186].