THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, August 9: The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to AAP leader Manish Sisodia in the alleged Delhi excise policy scam/ liquor scam, highlighting that he has already spent 17 months in custody.
A bench comprising Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan noted that Manish Sisodia has been in custody for 17 months without the trial commencing, which has denied him the right to a speedy trial.
The court, commenting on the lower courts, emphasized that bail is the rule and jail is the exception. It also stressed that the right to life and liberty applies to everyone.
Manish Sisodia was arrested by the ED on March 9, 2023, in connection with the liquor scam. During this period, he filed petitions for bail from the lower court to the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court granted bail to Manish Sisodia on the grounds that the trial had not yet commenced.
Manish Sisodia filed a bail petition in the Supreme Court in October of last year. At that time, the ED had stated that the trial against the accused would be completed within the next six to seven months. However, even after 11 months, the trial has not yet begun.
While granting bail to Manish Sisodia, the court imposed certain conditions. The first condition is that he must surrender his passport. Additionally, he is required to appear before the investigating officer twice a week.