Delhi Court Acquits Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia in High-Profile Excise Policy Case

New Delhi, February 27, 2026: A significant legal victory has come for senior leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as a Delhi court on Friday cleared former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia of all charges in the contentious 2022 Delhi excise policy case, widely referred to as the liquor policy scam.

The Rouse Avenue Court, led by Special Judge Jitendra Singh, dismissed the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) case against all 23 individuals named in the chargesheet. The court declined to take cognisance of the prosecution’s allegations, concluding there was insufficient evidence to support the claims of corruption and conspiracy.

Court’s Findings

In its detailed order, the court made several key observations:

• Absence of Evidence: The judge ruled that the prosecution failed to produce reliable material establishing criminal conspiracy or corruption as alleged by the CBI.
• No Prima Facie Case: The court stated that the charges lacked even basic substance, characterising them as speculative and built on inference rather than concrete evidence.
• Gaps in the CBI Case: Despite the voluminous nature of the CBI’s chargesheet, the court identified significant gaps, inconsistencies, and unsupported assertions throughout the investigation.
• Sisodia’s Charges Unproven: Specifically in Manish Sisodia’s case, the bench emphasised that the prosecution was unable to demonstrate any criminal conspiracy or prove its core allegations.

The judge reiterated a fundamental legal principle that serious criminal accusations—especially against public figures—must be backed by strong, tangible proof rather than narrative speculation.

Background of the Excise Policy Allegations

The acquittal relates to the CBI’s probe into alleged irregularities in the now-abandoned Delhi excise policy for 2021–22. The federal agency had claimed that certain liquor industry groups received unjust advantages—such as higher profit margins and licence perks—after purportedly providing kickbacks worth approximately ₹100 crore through a so-called “south lobby.”

However, the court determined that evidence presented did not substantiate these claims or link the accused individuals to any unlawful conduct.

Separate Investigations May Continue

While this verdict clears Kejriwal, Sisodia, and others of the corruption charges brought by the CBI, independent investigations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under money-laundering laws may proceed separately. This acquittal specifically addresses the agency’s CBI case; other legal matters involving ED proceedings are distinct and unaffected by Friday’s ruling.

Earlier in January 2026, Kejriwal was also acquitted in cases relating to alleged non-compliance with ED summons, adding to recent court decisions in his favour.

Political and Legal Impact

The judgment represents a major legal relief for AAP leaders, who have repeatedly maintained that the excise policy case was politically motivated. The party and its supporters have welcomed the court’s verdict, describing it as a vindication of their stance.

Full details from the complete court order are awaited, and legal experts suggest this ruling could have lasting implications for how high-profile corruption cases are prosecuted in India.

Summary

On February 27, 2026, the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi acquitted former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, and 21 other accused in the 2022 Delhi excise policy case. The court found that the CBI failed to present substantive evidence to support allegations of corruption or criminal conspiracy. While this verdict clears the leaders in the CBI case, separate probes by the Enforcement Directorate may continue. The decision has been widely viewed as a significant legal win for AAP leaders.

Disclaimer

This article is based on official statements and publicly available information. It is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to refer to official government releases and verified sources for comprehensive and updated details.