From policy rollout to Kejriwal's acquittal: Timeline of the Delhi liquor case

Bringing the four-year probe to a close, the court discharged Kejriwal, Sisodia and 21 others in the Delhi excise policy case, which had been under investigation since 2022. In its ruling, the court said the CBI chargesheet suffered from significant shortcomings and lacked sufficient evidentiary backing.

A Special CBI Court in Delhi on Friday acquitted Aam Aadmi Party leaders Manish Sisodia and Arvind Kejriwal, ruling that the prosecution failed to present adequate evidence to support its claims. The decision ends a prolonged legal battle over alleged corruption in the implementation of the Delhi government’s previous excise policy.

The court discharged Kejriwal, Sisodia and 21 others from the case, which had been under investigation since 2022. It observed that the Central Bureau of Investigation’s chargesheet contained significant shortcomings and lacked evidentiary support.

November 2021The Kejriwal government introduces the new excise policy aimed at reforming liquor sales in Delhi. Manish Sisodia oversees the excise department as Deputy Chief Minister.

July 2022Following allegations of procedural irregularities, Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena recommends a CBI inquiry. The policy is subsequently scrapped.

August 2022The CBI files an FIR naming Sisodia and others. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) registers a related money laundering case soon after.

February 2023Sisodia is arrested by the CBI after extended questioning and later resigns from the Delhi Cabinet. He is subsequently taken into custody by the ED while lodged in Tihar Jail.