New Delhi, Feb 27 (Wire) — A special CBI court on Thursday discharged former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal in the Delhi excise policy case, observing that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case warranting trial. The court also extended relief to several co-accused, including former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, marking a significant turn in one of the capital’s most politically contentious investigations.
In its order, the court said the material placed on record did not justify framing of charges and noted inconsistencies in the manner evidence had been presented. The case, registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation, pertained to alleged irregularities in the formulation and implementation of Delhi’s 2021–22 excise policy. The policy was later scrapped amid allegations of financial impropriety and undue benefits to private players.
Soon after the order, the agency indicated that it would examine the ruling and consider appropriate legal remedies, including an appeal before the Delhi High Court.
The verdict triggered sharp political reactions. The Indian National Congress questioned the circumstances surrounding the relief granted to the AAP leadership. Party spokesperson Pawan Khera suggested that the relief to the AAP was part of a “script”.
“Elections are coming. So the script is predictable. Cases against Congress leaders will suddenly accelerate — P. Chidambaram has already been dragged back into the spotlight because Tamil Nadu is going for polls. Meanwhile, proceedings against their convenient ‘allies’ in the AAP and others will quietly vanish in light of the Gujarat and Punjab elections,” Khera wrote on X.
The Aam Aadmi Party hit back strongly, accusing the Congress of attempting to dilute what it described as a judicial vindication. AAP leaders said the court’s findings reinforced their long-standing claim that the excise case was politically motivated. Party functionaries termed Khera’s remarks “irresponsible” and asserted that the order exposed what they called a misuse of investigative machinery against elected representatives.
Meanwhile, reactions from other opposition parties were more measured. Mahua Moitra of the All India Trinamool Congress shared a brief message on social media welcoming the court’s decision and underlining the importance of due process. Her post described the development as a reminder that judicial scrutiny remains central to democratic accountability.
“Satyameva Jayate! BJP, learn your lesson while there is still time. All your dirty tricks, your ED, your CBI — all these puppets will die in the face of truth. Congratulations @ArvindKejriwal,” TMC MP Mahua Moitra posted on X.
Legal experts said the discharge does not amount to a full acquittal but effectively halts proceedings at the trial stage unless overturned by a higher court. They noted that the prosecution retains the option to challenge the order, and that parallel proceedings by other agencies, if any, would continue independently of the CBI court’s findings.
The excise policy case has been a focal point of national political debate for over two years, with arrests, searches and courtroom hearings shaping narratives ahead of multiple elections. Thursday’s order is expected to influence both legal strategy and political messaging in the weeks to come, even as the matter appears poised for further judicial scrutiny.
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