Published: 26 February 2026The HinduGovernance
Delhi Court Discharges Kejriwal, Sisodia, Kavitha and 20 Others in Excise Policy Case
Special Judge Jitendra Singh of Rouse Avenue Courts, Delhi on February 27, 2026 discharged all 23 accused in the Delhi excise policy case, including former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, AAP leader Manish Sisodia, and BRS leader K Kavitha. The court observed there was 'no overarching conspiracy or criminal intent' in the excise policy.
The judge noted lapses in CBI's investigation and said the agency tried to construct a conspiracy narrative on mere conjecture. The politically sensitive case, dating back to 2022, had led to the arrest of multiple political figures. Kavitha described the verdict as cutting through a 'web of lies'. The CBI is expected to challenge the discharge order.
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Q: Discuss the legal and political implications of the Delhi court discharging all 23 accused in the excise policy case.
Answer (50 words):
On 27 February 2026, Special Judge Jitendra Singh of Rouse Avenue Courts discharged all 23 accused in the Delhi excise policy case — Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, K Kavitha included — finding 'no overarching conspiracy or criminal intent'. The order flagged CBI investigative lapses and reliance on conjecture; CBI will challenge it.
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Frequently asked questions
What was the Delhi court's verdict in the excise policy case in February 2026?
**Special Judge Jitendra Singh** of Rouse Avenue Courts, Delhi on **February 27, 2026** **discharged all 23 accused** in the Delhi excise policy case, including former Chief Minister **Arvind Kejriwal**, AAP leader **Manish Sisodia**, and BRS leader **K Kavitha**.
What was the court's observation in discharging the Delhi excise policy case accused?
The court observed there was **'no overarching conspiracy or criminal intent'** in the excise policy. The judge noted **lapses in CBI's investigation** and said the agency failed to establish prima facie evidence of conspiracy beyond policy decisions.
What was the Delhi excise policy case about?
The **Delhi Excise Policy Case** alleged that Delhi's 2021-22 excise policy (allowing private players in liquor retail) was designed to benefit certain businessmen through **kickbacks** allegedly paid to AAP leaders. The CBI and ED investigated the case, leading to arrests of Kejriwal, Sisodia, and Kavitha.
What is the difference between discharge and acquittal in Indian criminal law?
A **discharge** (at the stage of framing charges) means there is **insufficient evidence** to frame charges and put the accused on trial. An **acquittal** happens after a full trial when the accused is found not guilty. Discharge at charge-framing stage means no trial occurs.
Who are the key accused discharged in the Delhi excise policy case?
Key accused discharged include: **Arvind Kejriwal** (former Delhi CM, AAP national convener); **Manish Sisodia** (former Delhi Deputy CM, AAP leader); **K Kavitha** (BRS leader, daughter of former Telangana CM K Chandrashekar Rao); and **20 other accused** including businessmen and officials.
