Court Extends Manish Sisodia’s Custody Till April 17

NEW DELHI: Manish Sisodia's judicial custody was extended by a Delhi court on Monday till April 17 in connection with the now-discontinued excise policy case, which is being looked into by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). 

The AAP leader was directed to appear in court on April 17 by CBI Judge M.K. Nagpal of the Rouse Avenue Courts. Because the inquiry is at a critical point, the primary investigating agency has asked for an extension of Sisodia's custody. The court had rejected the former Deputy Chief Minister's bail request on March 31.

Judge Nagpal had stated that Sisodia could, at first glance, be deemed the "architect of the criminal conspiracy" when denying him bail. He noted that the around Rs 90–100 crore in advance kickback payments were intended for him and his fellow AAP government members. 

According to the decision, the court is hesitant to grant Sisodia bail at this point in the investigation because it could negatively impact the ongoing probe and substantially impede progress. It claimed that the evidence gathered thus far by the investigation team demonstrates that the applicant, through the co-accused Vijay Nair, was in contact with the "South Lobby" and that formulation of a favourable policy for them was ensured at all costs. 

It also claimed that a cartel was allowed to be formed in order to achieve monopolies in the sale of specific spirits brands produced by preferred manufacturers, going directly against the goals of the policy. 

The court said that, because Sisodia was only detained in the CBI case on February 26, the allegations against him are "serious in nature," and the investigation into his involvement in the case is still ongoing, hence he does not deserve to be freed on bail. 

The court noted that in a case like this, where a widespread conspiracy for the conduct of economic crimes affecting the general public is claimed to have occurred, the mere submission of a charge sheet against seven other co-accused does not mean very much. It stated that the evidence gathered thus far by the CBI not only demonstrated Sisodia's active involvement in the criminal conspiracy but also his apparent conduct of a number of serious PC Act offences. 

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