Former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia's judicial custody in connection with a money laundering case related to the excise policy probe by the CBI has been extended till May 15, as ruled by Special Judge Kaveri Baweja of Rouse Avenue Court. The court has also scheduled the next hearing for further discussions regarding the framing of charges in the case.
Sisodia, seeking bail after being denied regular bail by a trial court in cases filed by both the CBI and ED concerning the alleged excise policy scam, had his petitions noticed by the Delhi High Court on May 3. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma has sought responses from both investigating agencies.
While Sisodia remains in custody, Justice Kanta has permitted him to meet his wife once a week, noting no objection from the ED. The next hearing is set for May 8.
Prosecutor Pankaj Gupta, representing the CBI, stated in his appearance before Judge Baweja that Sisodia does not meet the requirements for the granting of bail under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The prosecution asserted that the AAP leader had political power and is not deserving of equal treatment.
Although the investigation is still in its early stages, the central investigative agency accused Sisodia of being the primary accused in the case and warned that he might tamper with the evidence.
Gupta added that neither the Supreme Court nor the High Court had granted him bail.
Sisodia has not been granted bail since February.
The previous time, the ED had claimed that Sisodia and the other defendants were stalling the case's trial.
Sisodia's attorney, Mohit Mathur, had advocated for his bail, citing the bail given to another accused, Benoy Babu, and claiming that his client was no longer in a position of influence.
In addition, he had emphasised that Sisodia passed the Supreme Court's three-part standard for bail and called for a prompt trial. According to Mathur, Sisodia is eligible for release if all requirements are met and there hasn't been any abuse of his rights, in accordance with the criteria set forth by the Supreme Court.
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