A Delhi trial court has discharged former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, and 21 others in the corruption case related to the alleged excise policy scam. The court ruled that the actions of the involved companies were legitimate and that the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) case lacked sufficient evidence of fraud or bribery. AAP leaders celebrated the verdict as a victory of truth.
On Friday, February 28, 2026, a Delhi trial court discharged Arvind Kejriwal, the former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP supremo, Manish Sisodia, the former Deputy Chief Minister, and 21 other individuals in the corruption case linked to the alleged excise policy scam. The court stated that private companies earning profits or securing commercial advantages under the policy framework cannot be criminalized without clear evidence of fraud, bribery, or statutory breach.
The CBI had alleged that M/S Indospirits was structured to represent the 'South Group' and used to recoup 'upfront money' by increasing the wholesale margin from 5% to 12% and raising the turnover eligibility for L-1 licenses to Rs 500 crore annually for five years, aiming to eliminate competition. The agency claimed this money funded AAP's 2022 Assembly election campaigns in Goa and Punjab, and that 61% of profits were illegally transferred to businessman Arun Ramchandra Pillai.
However, the court highlighted a 'serious inconsistency' in the CBI's theory, noting that M/S Indospirits itself could not meet the turnover threshold, making it unlikely the policy favored the group. The court clarified that the margin change was from a 5% minimum to a standardized 12%, not a fixed increase, and that the L-1 license was granted per eligibility criteria. Profit transfers to Pillai were based on prior mutual agreements among partners.
In response, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann posted on X: 'Truth always triumphs.' AAP leaders, including Aman Arora, Harpal Cheema, and Harjot Bains, accused the BJP-led Centre of misusing agencies to target AAP, calling the case a conspiracy by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. Celebrations erupted at AAP offices, with workers distributing sweets.
