Manish Sisodia Released on Bail After 17 Months

In a significant ruling, India's Supreme Court has granted bail to Manish Sisodia, a prominent leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, who has been embroiled in a money laundering case. The court emphasized that Sisodia's extended detention infringed upon his right to a speedy trial, a principle deemed "sacrosanct" by the judges. They asserted that the seriousness of the alleged crime does not justify prolonged imprisonment without trial. Sisodia, who has consistently denied the corruption allegations against him, had previously challenged his arrest after multiple bail pleas were rejected by both the Delhi High Court and a trial court. The Supreme Court highlighted that keeping him in custody indefinitely would violate his rights, stating, "Bail cannot be denied as a matter of punishment." The judges underscored the importance of treating bail as the norm rather than an exception. The case against Sisodia is part of a broader investigation involving several AAP leaders, including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who have been accused of colluding with liquor barons for financial gain. The AAP has vehemently denied these allegations, claiming they are politically motivated. Kejriwal himself was arrested shortly after the announcement of general election dates, labeling his detention as "illegal" and vowing to remain in office. This ruling marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal battles faced by AAP leaders, raising questions about the intersection of politics and law enforcement in India.