A Delhi court discharged former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his deputy, Manish Sisodia, in the excise policy case. The court criticized the prosecution’s failure to present solid evidence and rejected the conspiracy claims.
On Thursday, Rouse Avenue Court emphasized that serious criminal charges must rest on substantive material, not mere inference or narrative.
#UPDATE | The Rouse Avenue court discharged Arvind Kejriwal in the Delhi Excise policy case https://t.co/OrDihYrb02
— ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2026
Lack of Material Evidence
The court ruled that allegations should have concrete evidence to proceed to trial. “Serious allegations must rely on material evidence,” it stated. It emphasized that attributing a central conspiratorial role without proper evidence wouldn’t stand.
The judge also remarked that public trust in high offices could erode if unsupported prosecution claims were entertained.
No Evidence of Overarching Conspiracy
The court additionally stated that the liquor policy lacked evidence of an overarching conspiracy or criminal intent. It concluded that the prosecution’s case lacked sufficient substance to hold the accused accountable.
Warning Against Unconstitutional Practices
The court issued a firm warning regarding investigative practices that turn accused individuals into approvers. It said such methods could unfairly widen the scope of culpability.
“If this conduct continues, it would violate constitutional principles,” the court pointed out. It criticized the practice of granting pardons to accused persons, turning them into approvers, and using their statements to accuse others.
