The Supreme Court has issued a clarification regarding a statement made on Wednesday regarding the possible involvement of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the Delhi liquor policy case. The court emphasized that its remark was not aimed at implicating any political party but was merely a legal question posed to the Enforcement Directorate. This inquiry arose during a bail plea hearing for former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who was arrested in connection with the case in February.
The Supreme Court had asked the Enforcement Directorate why, if their argument suggested that the Aam Aadmi Party received ₹100 crore in alleged kickbacks related to the liquor policy, the political party had not been formally accused or included in the case. The court said it very clearly, “As far as the money-laundering charges are concerned, your entire case implies that the political party benefited. According to you, the party is the beneficiary, but it has not been named as an accused.”
The agency is expected to provide a detailed response later today, with Additional Solicitor General SV Raju affirming, “Wherever there is evidence, we will take legal action and hold those responsible accountable.”
Sources have indicated that the Enforcement Directorate has gathered substantial evidence linking the AAP to the alleged illegal funds used for election campaigns, prompting the agency to consider including the party as a defendant in the case.
In addition to this matter, the Supreme Court raised another legal question on Wednesday concerning whether a court of law can examine a cabinet note, specifically Delhi government notes related to the formulation of the liquor policy. The court referred to Constitution bench judgments that may restrict the examination of cabinet notes, but it noted the unique status of Delhi as a Union Territory.
Manish Sisodia, who was also the Delhi government’s excise commissioner at the time, is the primary accused in the liquor policy scandal, with investigating agencies referring to him as the “kingpin” and “mastermind” behind the scheme.
The case revolves around the 2021 liquor policy, which was subsequently revoked. Under this policy, the AAP government allowed private individuals to operate liquor stores, leading to a 27 percent increase in revenue for the Delhi government, generating ₹8,900 crore.
Controversy arose when reports suggested that Manish Sisodia may have violated rules to grant liquor licenses. This prompted the Delhi Lieutenant Governor to order a CBI inquiry, which expanded into an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate and resulted in the arrests of several senior AAP leaders, including Sisodia.
The Enforcement Directorate’s investigation has alleged that the policy caused a loss of ₹2,800 crore to the Delhi government.
Apart from Manish Sisodia, the Enforcement Directorate has also arrested AAP MP Sanjay Singh, who is accused of facilitating meetings between the former Deputy Chief Minister and Dinesh Arora, a businessman who initially faced charges but later became an approver and was granted bail.
In April, the CBI questioned Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for nine hours in connection with the case.
