Delhi Excise Policy Scam: Manish Sisodia’s Judicial Custody Extended Till Jan 10

New Delhi: A Delhi court on Monday extended the judicial custody of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia in a money laundering case related to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam. The extension, until January 10, 2024, was granted by Special Judge M K Nagpal.

The court also sought responses from Manish Sisodia and other accused individuals regarding an application filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) seeking permission to submit additional documents in the case. The accused have been directed to file their replies by December 10. The ED is required to provide hard copies of the 540 pages of additional documents to the accused before the next hearing on January 10.

During the proceedings, the court adjourned the hearing on another application by the ED, which sought day-to-day hearings. The judge noted that the case is currently in the stage of document scrutiny, and the trial will commence after this stage is completed, and charges are framed against the accused.

Manish Sisodia was initially arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on February 26, with allegations of corruption in the formulation and implementation of the Delhi Excise Policy 2020-21. He has been in custody since then. The ED arrested him in a money laundering case on March 9, following questioning in Tihar jail. Sisodia, who held the excise portfolio, resigned from the Delhi cabinet on February 28.