Manish Sisodia, a prominent political figure, has been granted bail by the Supreme Court of India after 17 months in jail. This decision comes with significant commentary from the court, potentially setting a precedent for future cases.
The crux of the case revolves around the Delhi Excise Policy and allegations of corruption against Sisodia. While both the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had argued for his continued detention, the Supreme Court found their arguments lacking.
Key Observations by the Supreme Court:
- Investigative Delays: The court questioned the extended investigation timeframe, particularly by the ED. If the evidence exists, there’s no need to tamper with it. A lengthy detention without trial violates the principle of bail.
- Unrealistic Trial Timeline: The ED’s claim that the trial would be completed within six to eight months was deemed implausible. The sheer number of witnesses (463) and documents (around 6,000 pages) suggests a much longer timeframe.
- Rejected Delay Accusations: The court dismissed arguments by the lower courts that Sisodia’s legal team caused delays by filing applications. The court found these applications relevant and necessary for his defense.
- Bail as the Rule: The Supreme Court emphasized that bail is the norm, and jail is the exception. Both the trial court and the High Court were criticized for overlooking this fundamental principle, leading to unnecessary detentions.
- Trial Court Sensitivity: The court urged lower courts to be more sensitive when handling bail petitions. This aims to prevent a situation where bail applications routinely reach the Supreme Court.
Landmark Implications:
This judgment signifies a potential shift in how bail applications are handled. The Supreme Court’s emphasis on “bail as the rule” and its critique of excessively long detentions could have a lasting impact on future cases.
Current Status:
While bail has been granted, Sisodia won’t be released immediately. The order needs to be processed, and specific conditions may need to be met.