A Delhi court has discharged former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and his deputy, Manish Sisodia, in a high-profile corruption case linked to a now-scrapped liquor sales policy, delivering a significant blow to federal investigative agencies. The ruling, issued by special judge Jitendra Singh, cleared Mr Kejriwal, Mr Sisodia, and 21 other individuals, citing a complete lack of evidence and describing the case as 'premeditated and choreographed'. This decision has ignited fresh political tensions in India, with Mr Kejriwal, a prominent rival of prime minister Narendra Modi, accusing the ruling party of orchestrating a political conspiracy to undermine his credibility.
Court Criticises Federal Agencies for Flawed Investigation
In a strongly worded judgment, Judge Singh heavily criticised federal agencies, particularly the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), for attempting to construct a conspiracy narrative based on mere conjecture rather than solid proof. The judge highlighted that the investigation appeared to be driven by ulterior motives rather than factual evidence, leading to the discharge of all accused parties. Furthermore, the court ordered departmental action against the CBI officer involved in the case, signalling a severe reprimand for the agency's handling of the matter.
Kejriwal's Emotional Response and Political Accusations
Outside the court, Arvind Kejriwal became emotional, breaking down as he asserted his honesty and integrity. He directly accused prime minister Narendra Modi's party of engaging in a political conspiracy to tarnish his reputation and destabilise his political career. This incident underscores the deepening rift between Mr Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party and Mr Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party, with corruption allegations often used as a tool in India's fiercely competitive political landscape.
CBI Announces Appeal Amid Ongoing Legal Battle
Despite the court's ruling, the Central Bureau of Investigation has announced its intention to appeal the decision in the Delhi High Court, indicating that the legal battle is far from over. This move suggests that the agency remains committed to pursuing the case, potentially prolonging the controversy and keeping it in the public eye. The appeal process is expected to draw further attention to the allegations and the court's criticisms of the investigation methods employed by federal authorities.
The discharge of Mr Kejriwal and Mr Sisodia marks a pivotal moment in Indian politics, raising questions about the use of corruption charges in political rivalries and the accountability of investigative bodies. As the case continues to unfold, it is likely to influence public perception and electoral dynamics in the lead-up to future elections.
