Manish Sisodia and Arvind Kejriwal acquitted in excise scam. Photo. archive
Know the main points and gist of the news at a glance
Digital Desk, New Delhi. The special court located at Rouse Avenue in Delhi acquitted all 23 accused including former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in the CBI case related to excise policy.
Special Judge (PC Act) Jitender Singh said the prosecution's case could not stand judicial scrutiny and a prima facie case was not made out against anyone. Understand below which main arguments and grounds of CBI the court did not accept and what it said in the decision:-
A big criminal conspiracy was hatched through the new excise policy, in which selected people were benefited. Bribes were taken in exchange for this benefit.
no prima facie case
Demand to frame charges on the basis of alleged irregularities, meetings and transactions recorded in the charge sheet.
Objection to reliance on approver's statements
An accused was given pardon and made an approver and links to the alleged conspiracy were added on the basis of his statements.
Strong comment from the court:
Question on making public servant accused number 1
The court said- 'An attempt to fabricate a story'
Justice Jitendra Singh said that:
This decision is being considered a big blow for CBI. The court's comments raise serious questions on the quality and process of the investigation. It may also impact the Enforcement Directorate (ED)'s money laundering case related to excise policy.
Also read - Moist eyes, light heart... This is how Kejriwal-Sisodia met the family after being acquitted in the liquor scam; PHOTOS
Also read- 'I am staunchly honest...', Kejriwal cried as soon as he was acquitted in the liquor scam.
Also read- What is Delhi Liquor Scam Case? Due to which Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia were acquitted
Also read- Delhi liquor scam: Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia acquitted by court, acquitted of all charges