Delhi High Court Grants Time

Delhi High Court Grants Time to Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia to Respond to CBI Plea in Excise Policy Case

News Report:

In a significant development in the Delhi excise policy case, the Delhi High Court has granted

time to Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia to file their responses to a plea filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation challenging their discharge in the case.

Court Proceedings

The matter was heard by Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, who allowed the accused and other respondents additional time to submit their replies. The court subsequently listed the case for further hearing, indicating that the proceedings will continue after the responses are filed.

According to court observations, the decision to grant time was taken after counsel for the accused sought more time to examine the voluminous trial court order and prepare a detailed reply. 

CBI’s Stand

Appearing for the CBI, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta strongly opposed the request for adjournment and raised concerns over delays in the proceedings. He argued that:

• The trial court’s order discharging the accused was “perverse” and should not remain on record. 

• The accused should not be given excessive time, as the entire case record is already available before the High Court. 

The CBI has challenged the trial court’s February 27, 2026 order, which had discharged Kejriwal, Sisodia, and several others, stating that the lower court failed to properly appreciate the evidence presented during the investigation.

Defence Arguments

Counsel representing Kejriwal and Sisodia argued that:

• The trial court judgment runs into several hundred pages and requires careful examination. 

• There is no urgency that warrants denial of reasonable time to respond. 

It was also informed that the accused have approached the Supreme Court in connection with related issues, including challenges to certain High Court proceedings.

Background of the Case

The controversy stems from alleged irregularities in the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy. A trial court had earlier discharged the accused, observing that the case lacked sufficient evidence and did not establish a prima facie offence.

However, the CBI moved the High Court, seeking to overturn the discharge order and revive the case, arguing that critical aspects of the investigation were overlooked. 

What Lies Ahead

With the High Court granting time for replies, the case now moves into a crucial phase where:

• The accused will present their detailed defence

• The court will examine the legality of the discharge order

• Further hearings will determine whether the case proceeds to trial again

The next hearing is expected to be closely watched, as it could significantly impact the trajectory of one of the most high-profile political cases in recent times.

Conclusion:

The Delhi High Court’s decision to grant time underscores the procedural importance of allowing all parties to present their arguments comprehensively. As the legal battle intensifies, the outcome of the upcoming hearings will be critical in shaping the future of the excise policy case.

Donald Trump Issues Stark Warning

Iranian FM Calls EAM S. Jaishankar

PM Narendra Modi to Hold

Supreme Court Slams Bengal Govt