Kejriwal, Sisodia seek dismissal of CBI appeal in Delhi excise policy case

Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia have filed a plea in the Delhi High Court requesting the dismissal of an appeal lodged by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The CBI's appeal challenges a trial court's decision to discharge both leaders from the excise policy case.

What Happened

The application was submitted on Wednesday, with Kejriwal and Sisodia arguing that the CBI filed its appeal with excessive speed, indicating a lack of thorough review of the trial court's extensive discharge order. They contend that the CBI's appeal does not identify specific findings or paragraphs within the discharge judgment that demonstrate perversity, suggesting the appeal is improperly filed as a revision petition.

Key Facts

• Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia have moved the Delhi High Court.
• They are seeking the dismissal of the CBI's appeal against their discharge in the excise policy case.
• The trial court discharged Kejriwal, Sisodia, and 21 others on February 27.
• The leaders argue the CBI appeal was filed with "unprecedented haste" within four hours of the discharge order.
• They contend the CBI's appeal lacks specific grounds and does not point to any perversity in the discharge order.
• The CBI's appeal was filed before the high court hearing scheduled for August 17.

Background

On February 27, a trial court discharged Kejriwal, Sisodia, and 21 other individuals, stating that the CBI's evidence did not establish a prima facie case against them. This decision prompted the CBI to challenge the order in the High Court.