Overview
- Special Judge Jitender Singh at Rouse Avenue Court discharged Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and 21 others, holding there was no prima facie case or overarching conspiracy and sharply criticizing the CBI’s probe.
- The trial court noted contemporaneous records showed the excise policy moved through recognised constitutional channels with the Lieutenant Governor’s secretariat involved, undercutting claims of unilateral manipulation.
- In its appeal, the CBI says the judge conducted a mini-trial, misread evidence, and issued a perverse, patently illegal order, and it seeks to set aside adverse remarks and proposed departmental action against investigators.
- The agency reiterates allegations of about Rs 100 crore in upfront money from the so‑called South Group and a funding trail to Goa, arguing such issues should be tested at trial, which the lower court declined to order.
- Kejriwal held a show-of-strength rally at Jantar Mantar claiming vindication, as BJP leaders warned the appeal could overturn the discharge and Congress’s Bhupesh Baghel alleged a political ‘deal,’ reflecting escalating political fallout.