In a jolt to former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish
Sisodia, the Supreme Court rejected his bail application in the excise policy
scam case on Monday.
However, the Bench, including Justices Sanjiv Khanna
and SVN Bhatti, assured that the trial in the case would be completed within
six to eight months and Sisodia would be entitled to file a fresh bail plea in
three months if the trial proceeds slowly.
The Bench, which had reserved its verdict on October 17, expressed its dissatisfaction over some
legal questions, which were not answered. “If answered, answered in a very
limited way,” it said.
Justice Khanna stated, “In the analysis, there are
certain aspects which we have said is doubtful. But one aspect with regard to
the transfer of money, Rs 338 crores, we have held that tentatively it is
established.”
“We have therefore dismissed the application for bail.
But we have made one pointed observation that they have said that the trial
will be over in 6 to 8 months. So, within 3 months, if the trial proceeds
sloppily or slowly, you will be entitled to file an application for bail,” said
the Supreme Court.
Sisodia was taken into custody by the Central Bureau
of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the scam on February 26 this year and
subsequently by the Enforcement Directorate on money laundering charges on
March 9.
NE Watch Desk
