'Where Is The Proof?': SC Charges CBI, ED Over Manish Sisodia's Bail Plea

The Supreme Court heard two different bail applications of former Deputy Chief of Delhi and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, Manish Sisodia. One case is a liquor policy investigation conducted by the Central Bureau Of Investigation (CBI) and the other is a money laundering case directed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

While considering the bail request of Sisodia in a liquor policy case, the Supreme Court has noted that the evidence linkage is not fully substantiated.

The Supreme Court has instructed the agencies to create a chain of evidence connecting the money from the liquor lobby to the recipient. The top court noted the challenge in proving the link due to clandestine operations. Nevertheless, it is the CBI's skill that is crucial in accomplishing this task.

The court sought clarification from the agencies regarding who exactly paid the sums of ₹ 100 crores and ₹ 30 crores, noting that the source of these funds could potentially be unrelated to the liquor policy.

The court instructed the agencies to present proper evidence since the businessman Dinesh Arora is the beneficiary. They asked the agency where is the proof. Apart from Dinesh Arora's admission, does any other form of confirmation exist? The sequence of events is not entirely proven.

The Court acknowledged an alteration in policy. All will back strategies beneficial for companies. Advocacy groups are always present. Even erroneous policy amendments aren't significant without a financial aspect. The financial element is what constitutes the wrongdoing.

According to the Supreme Court, Sisodia is not implicated in this situation. Although AAP communication leader and businessman Vijay Nair is present, Sisodia is not involved in this segment. The court asked how Sisodia be accused under the Money Laundering Act when he was not the recipient of the money. If he's a part of the said company, then indirect responsibility applies. But without this, the legal action stumbles. Money laundering is a distinct crime entirely.