Mallika Dureja
On Monday, a Delhi court remanded former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia to 14 days of judicial detention in a case involving the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and alleged irregularities in the now-abandoned excise policy.
As the investigation into the case is ongoing, CBI argued before the court that they may seek additional police custody at a later date.
The CBI apprehended Sisodia on February 26 in relation to the case and brought him before the Rouse Avenue court the following day. On Saturday, the CBI confinement was extended for an additional two days. The CBI has had possession of Sisodia for 7 out of the 15 days permitted by law.
CBI also stated in court that the Aam Aam Admi Party (AAP) is attempting to politicise the situation by making political statements in the media.
The court placed Sisodia in judicial custody until March 20 and permitted him to carry with him a copy of Srimad Bhagwadgita, a pen, a diary, and his eyeglasses, as well as his prescribed medications.
Sisodia asked the court for permission to be held in a cell in the Vipasana Centre of the Tihar Jail. The court instructed the jail authorities to assess his request in accordance with the prison manual.
Sisodia has also filed a bail application with the court on Friday, arguing that keeping him in detention would serve no useful purpose and that all other co-defendants have been granted bail. The court has scheduled a hearing on the parole application for March 10 and has requested a response from the CBI.
His detention is related to the agency’s claim that kickbacks were paid as part of the excise policy. In response to a report from the chief secretary alleging irregularities, lieutenant governor (LG) VK Saxena rescinded the policy and ordered an investigation. The AAP government has refuted the allegations, claiming they are an attempt by the BJP-led Union government to attack its rival.
On Tuesday, Sisodia petitioned the Supreme Court for parole and the quashing of the first information report (FIR), but the apex court refused to intervene and pointed out that he had sufficient legal recourses to exhaust before petitioning the country’s highest court.
“…you have access to all available alternative remedies, but you have come directly to this court to contest your arrest and request bond.” How do we engage it here?” Supreme Court stated.
Sisodia, who held 18 portfolios in the Delhi administration, resigned within hours of his appeal being rejected by the supreme court.
