Manish Sisodia meets Sunita Kejriwal after being released on bail
After spending 17 months in Tihar Jail, senior Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia walked out a free man Friday as the Supreme Court ordered his release on bail in cases related to money laundering linked to the now-defunct Delhi Excise Policy. His release could be seen as a big moment for the AAP and its supporters as Sisodia has been a prominent figure in Delhi politics and a key ally of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
Joyous reunion at CM residence
After he was released, Sisodia reached the residence of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, where he met Kejriwal’s wife Sunita Kejriwal. Joining him were family members, including his own parents and children. There was palpable relief and cheer filling the air as the family members and close associates came together to celebrate his homecoming after a really tedious and grueling battle.
Several senior leaders of the Aam Admi Party, including MP Sanjay Singh from the Rajya Sabha and Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, with a sizable contingent of MLAs, gathered around to show solidarity as Sisodia emerged from prison to begin his life anew.
Background of Imprisonment
CBI arrested Manish Sisodia on 26 February 2023 for alleged irregularities in the Delhi Excise Policy, which was axed amid controversy. Just a few days after his arrest, he was detained by the ED on 9 March 2023 in connection with charges of money laundering related to the same case. His detention and subsequent incarceration raised concerns about political motivations and the treatment of opposition leaders in India.
Since his date of imprisonment, Sisodia has continuously pleaded to be innocent and said that all cases against him were politically motivated. Just a few days after the arrest, he resigned from his position in the cabinet of Delhi; he has reiterated that party ideals were more important than the post during testing times.
Lower Courts Criticised by SC
In its verdict on the bail of Sisodia, the Supreme Court tore into the judgment of lower courts that earlier rejected his bail pleas. It said that rejection of bail was unwarranted and that “bail is the rule, and jail is the exception.” Sisodia has the right to a speedy trial, which was compromised during his detention.
The Supreme Court, while pronouncing its judgment, termed the continued detention without trial as a “travesty of justice,” which logically embeds in its meaning that no excesses shall be permitted against any individual, however politically sensitive the case may be. The judgment not only opened doors for Sisodia’s release but also operated as a reminder regarding the essence of due process in law cases.
Sisodia’s Address to Supporters
Soon after he was released, Sisodia addressed a sea of supporters and party leaders who reached outside Tihar Jail to welcome him. Humbled by emotions, his speech reflected thanksgiving to the supporters, whom he credited for standing solidly behind him during his incarceration. “This free Manish Sisodia wants to greet you. It wasn’t only me but you all also took the pain.”. All of you have been with me for the past 17 months. All school children have been waiting for me to come out,” he said.
He did not miss the opportunity to lash out at the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party as he termed his release a major blow to what he called a “dictatorship.” Sisodia thanked the verdict from the Supreme Court, stating it was victory for justice and the rights of innocents. “No dictator government can keep any innocent in jail,” he stated, rallying his supporters with a message of resilience and hope.
The Way Forward
With Sisodia back in the fold, the AAP eyes refocusing its energies for the upcoming Delhi elections. His release rejuvenated party members and supporters, taking the opportunity for renewed outreach with their base and contesting challenges from other political parties.
Sisodia’s comeback into the world of politics assumes a place beyond being merely significant; it is, in itself, one moment for the victory of so many who live by ideals of justice and democratic freedom. No doubt, with his reentry into public life, AAP will try to cash in on the momentum gained from his release to take their agenda further and build their position in Delhi politics.
Conclusion
Manish Sisodia’s release from Tihar Jail after 17 months completes one cycle in this complex tango between politics and the judicial system in India. His reunion with family and supporters is, therefore, a significant moment for the AAP, reinforcing their narrative of fighting against perceived political oppression. That experience Sisodia has had of prison life will undoubtedly be used as a plinth by the party in strategizing for the next challenges ahead, harping all the time on justice and accountability in the political firmament.
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