Excise policy case: Delhi HC seeks response of Kejriwal, Sisodia on ED plea to expunge remarks

Delhi HC requests Kejriwal and Sisodia's response to ED plea to expunge trial court's remarks in the excise policy case.

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday (March 10, 2026) asked former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia and 21 others who were accused in the excise policy case to respond to a plea by the Enforcement Directorate to expunge "unwarranted" remarks made against it by the trial court.

The case is listed for further hearing on March 19.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma said the observations in the trial court order, which discharged all the 23 accused in the CBI case, appeared to be general in nature.

"These are general observations and have nothing to do with the case. He (trial judge) was not saying it in the context of this case. He was feeling whatever he was feeling... He thought it was an unfair investigation, so he made observations as some judges, including me, generally do," the court said verbally.

Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju, who appeared for the ED, contended that the trial court judge "had no business" making adverse statements and allegations in a case the ED was not even a party to.

"There are direct allegations against ED in a matter where the ED is not a party. ED is not concerned... These will be used against me. ED was condemned without a hearing," he submitted.