Supreme Court Grants Bail to Manish Sisodia After 17-Month Incarceration

The Supreme Court has granted bail to AAP leader Manish Sisodia, who has been in jail for 17 months on charges related to the Delhi excise policy scam. The court criticized lower courts for denying him a speedy trial, emphasizing that his prolonged detention was against the principles of justice.

The Supreme Court granted bail to Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia on Friday, bringing an end to his 17-month incarceration. The court sharply criticized lower courts, stating that his prolonged jail time without trial violated his right to speedy justice.

A bench consisting of Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan stated that trial and high courts must recognize the principle that 'bail is rule and jail is exception.' This principle underscores that extended pre-trial detention should not serve as a form of punishment.

Sisodia, former Delhi deputy chief minister, was implicated in corruption and money laundering cases tied to the Delhi excise policy scam. With the Supreme Court's decision, Sisodia is expected to leave jail today, subject to bail conditions including surrendering his passport and regularly reporting to the investigating officer.