Watch: AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal Breaks Down After Court Relief, Manish Sisodia Consoles Him

A Delhi court on Friday cleared former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal of all charges in the Delhi liquor policy case. Lauding the verdict, Kejriwal broke down while speaking to reporters outside the court, with former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, who was also discharged, seen consoling him, as per an NDTV report.

Kejriwal recalled his arrest nearly two years ago from his Delhi residence, saying he was the country's first sitting chief minister to be arrested. 

The case was linked to alleged irregularities in the now-scrapped Delhi Excise Policy 2021–22, which was introduced by the Aam Aadmi Party government. The Central Bureau of Investigation had alleged the policy was framed to benefit select private entities by lowering licence fees and fixing profit margins, leading to kickbacks and financial losses to the Delhi government.

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Speaking to reporters, Kejriwal blamed the Centre and called the case a “big political conspiracy” against him and the Aam Aadmi Party.

“Five of our top leaders were sent to jail in a bid to destroy the Aam Aadmi Party. For the first time in Indian history, a sitting Chief Minister was taken from his home and jailed for six months. Our deputy, Manish Sisodia, was kept in jail for nearly two years. This case was completely false.”

He also spoke about the public campaign against him during the period. “We were constantly harassed. TV debates and news channels kept saying Kejriwal is corrupt,” he said, getting emotional. 

Sisodia stepped forward and hugged Kejriwal as people around them urged him to remain strong. In the video, people can be heard saying, “Sambhaliye, sir, apne aap ko, sambhaliye. Himmat, sir (Please control yourself, sir. Be strong).” 

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“Kejriwal is not corrupt,” he said, adding, “I have earned my living honestly. A false case was filed against us, and today it has been proven. The court has said that Kejriwal is completely honest, Manish Sisodia is completely honest, and AAP is completely honest.” 

He also referred to receiving the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Emergent Leadership in 2006.

Earlier in the day, a Special Court in Delhi discharged all 23 accused in the case, including Kejriwal and Sisodia.

The court said the CBI tried to build a conspiracy narrative, but relied on assumptions instead of solid evidence. It held that no prima facie case was made out against any of the accused.

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The court also criticised the investigation process, especially the reliance on approver statements. It observed that granting pardon to an accused and then using their statements to fill gaps in the case or implicate others was improper. The judge said allowing such practices would amount to a serious violation of Constitutional principles.

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