Kejriwal breaks down after court relief in excise case

Former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal became emotional and broke down while speaking to the media on Friday after receiving major relief in the Delhi excise policy case. A special court in the national capital discharged all 23 accused in the CBI case, including Kejriwal and his former deputy Manish Sisodia.

The decision came from Rouse Avenue Court, which found insufficient grounds to proceed against the accused in the case related to the now-scrapped Delhi liquor policy. The ruling marks an important legal development in a controversy that has dominated Delhi politics for months.

Shortly after the verdict, Kejriwal addressed reporters but struggled to hold back tears during the interaction. His emotional response quickly drew national attention and strong reactions from supporters and critics alike.

Emotional reaction after verdict

Speaking to journalists outside the court premises, Kejriwal said he had always maintained his innocence. In a choked voice, he declared, “I am not corrupt. The court has said that Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia are kattar imaandaar.”

Witnesses present at the scene said Kejriwal became visibly overwhelmed while making the statement. Sisodia, who was standing beside him, was seen trying to comfort the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader as he wiped away tears.

Kejriwal told the media that the case had caused deep personal and political stress over the past many months. He suggested that the allegations had damaged his reputation and the image of his party, even though he had consistently denied any wrongdoing.

Supporters of the AAP quickly shared clips of the emotional moment on social media, praising the court’s decision and describing it as vindication for the party leadership. Party workers in several areas reportedly celebrated the development, calling it a victory for truth.

However, opposition leaders reacted cautiously and said the legal process in related matters is still ongoing in different forums. They maintained that the broader controversy around the excise policy has not fully ended.

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What the court decided

The case relates to alleged irregularities in the Delhi government’s now-withdrawn excise policy. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had accused several officials and political figures of involvement in alleged corruption linked to the policy’s formulation and implementation.

After examining the material placed before it, the Rouse Avenue Court discharged all 23 accused persons in the CBI case. In legal terms, discharge means the court found insufficient evidence at this stage to frame charges and proceed with a trial against the accused in this particular case.

Legal experts note that a discharge order is a significant relief but does not automatically end all legal scrutiny if other related investigations or cases exist. Still, for Kejriwal and Sisodia, the ruling is being seen as a major political and legal boost.

In his brief remarks, Kejriwal thanked his supporters and said he had faith in the judiciary. He reiterated that his government had always worked honestly and in the public interest.

The AAP leadership is likely to use the court’s decision to strengthen its political messaging ahead of future elections. Party leaders have repeatedly claimed that the excise policy case was politically motivated, a charge their opponents strongly deny.

The controversy over the Delhi liquor policy has been one of the most high-profile political and legal battles in recent years. It led to intense political exchanges, multiple investigations and significant media coverage.

For now, the court’s discharge order has provided immediate relief to Kejriwal, Sisodia and the other accused in the CBI case. Whether the political temperature cools down or the issue continues to dominate public debate will depend on developments in the coming weeks.

As Kejriwal left the court complex after his emotional media interaction, he repeated that truth had prevailed. His visible display of emotion has added a dramatic moment to an already closely watched case in Delhi’s political landscape.