Supreme Court Reviews Manish Sisodia's Plea for Relaxation of Bail Terms in Liquor Policy Case. 

On November 22, the Supreme Court briefly heard two applications filed by former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, seeking relaxation of bail conditions in the Delhi Excise Policy case.

A bench comprising Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K.V. Viswanathan issued notice and stated that a decision on the matter would be clarified during the next hearing.

 "Issue notice. Returnable in two weeks," the Court said.

"He is a respectable person. He has already appeared 60 times. There is no such condition for any other accused," Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Sisodia, stated on his behalf.

Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, requested an earlier hearing date, expressing concerns that the opposing side might seek an adjournment during the next session.

In response, the Bench clarified that the matter would be finally decided at the next scheduled hearing.

 "We make it clear we will decide application on next date," the bench stated.

In August, the court had granted Sisodia bail in cases filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) and Enforcement Directorate(ED), citing delays in the trial's commencement related to the now-scrapped liquor policy.

The Court granted his plea, observing that the prolonged delay in the trial violated the right to a speedy trial, a fundamental aspect of liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Bail has been granted with the following conditions:

• A bail bond of ₹10,00,000 along with two sureties of the same amount;
• Surrender of the passport;
• Reporting to the investigating officer (IO) every Monday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
• The appellant shall not attempt to influence witnesses or tamper with evidence.

The case against him and other AAP leaders involves accusations that the excise policy was altered to favor certain liquor vendors in exchange for bribes, which were allegedly used to fund the party's election campaign in Goa.

Sisodia has requested a relaxation of the final condition. He was in custody from February 26, 2023, he had filed multiple bail applications earlier, all of which were rejected until he was granted bail in August this year.

Advocate For Petitioner(s): Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi Mr. Vivek Jain, AOR & Ors.

Advocate For Respondent(s): Mr. Suryaprakash V. Raju, A.S.G. & Ors.