February 28, 2026 : The Central Bureau of Investigation has approached the Delhi High Court challenging the acquittal of Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal, senior party leader Manish Sisodia and other accused in the alleged corruption case linked to the Delhi excise policy.
The appeal was filed within hours of the trial court’s decision acquitting all 23 accused persons, including Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and K Kavitha. The trial court held that the prosecution had failed to establish the charges.
In its plea before the High Court, the CBI has argued that the trial court order overlooks key findings of the investigation and does not properly assess the documentary and oral evidence placed on record. The agency has sought a re-examination of the material and reversal of the acquittal.
The case relates to the Delhi Government’s excise policy framed in 2021. The policy, which restructured the licensing regime for liquor sale in the national capital, was later withdrawn amid allegations of irregularities in its formulation and implementation. Following these allegations, Lieutenant Governor Vinay Kumar Saxena directed a CBI probe into the matter.
The High Court is expected to examine whether the acquittal warrants interference at the appellate stage.
