Supreme Court Bail Verdict for Sisodia: 'Triumph for Democracy', says Hemant Soren

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren celebrated the Supreme Court’s decision to grant bail to AAP leader Manish Sisodia as a victory for democracy. Sisodia's 17-month custody in connection with the Delhi excise policy scam was a focal point, with Soren calling it a defeat of dictatorship. The trial has not yet commenced.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Friday heralded the Supreme Court's decision to grant bail to AAP leader Manish Sisodia as a “triumph for democracy” and a “defeat of dictatorship”.

The apex court granted Sisodia bail in corruption and money laundering cases connected to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam, noting his 17-month custody period without the commencement of trial.

''It is a triumph for democracy and a defeat of injustice and dictatorship,'' Soren posted on X. Expressing gratitude to the top court, Soren extended his congratulations to Sisodia, formerly Delhi’s deputy chief minister.

''Sisodia’s struggle will become history and inspire future generations,'' Soren added. The bench of Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan emphasized his prolonged custody and the delay in his trial, which deprived him of the right to a speedy trial.

Sisodia was arrested by the CBI on February 26, 2023, for purported irregularities in the now-scrapped Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22. Kalpana Soren, JMM legislator and wife of the chief minister, also reacted, expressing her satisfaction with the development.

''We are very happy... It's been a very long time... Now, we are just waiting for Kejriwal sir to come out,'' she stated. Meanwhile, a Delhi court extended Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's judicial custody till August 20 in connection to the same excise scam.