Manish Sisodia, a key figure in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), will remain in judicial custody until May 30, as ruled by Delhi's Rouse Avenue court. This decision comes in light of the ongoing investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the Delhi Excise Policy.

Sisodia and other implicated individuals, currently detained, appeared via video conference from jail during the court proceedings. Meanwhile, a request to delay arguments regarding the charges is awaiting consideration by the Delhi High Court.

On a recent development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) opposed Sisodia's bail plea concerning a separate money laundering case. The Delhi High Court is yet to announce its decision on Sisodia's bail plea regarding the excise policy case, involving both the CBI and the ED investigations.

During the proceedings, the ED indicated its intention to implicate the AAP in the money laundering case, asserting that the party would be named as a co-accused in the upcoming prosecution complaint.

In defense, Sisodia's legal team argued that the investigations by both the ED and the CBI are ongoing, indicating a prolonged trial process.

Sisodia has been in custody since February 26, 2023, initially arrested by the CBI and later by the ED. Both agencies allege irregularities in the modification of the excise policy, including undue favors to license holders, waivers or reductions in license fees, and extension of licenses without proper approvals.

The excise department is accused of refunding around Rs 30 crore as earnest money deposit to a tenderer against regulations, and allowing fee waivers despite lacking legal provisions, purportedly resulting in a loss of Rs 144.36 crore to the exchequer.

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