NEW DELHI — Within hours of a major legal setback, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) announced on Friday, February 27, 2026, its decision to challenge the Rouse Avenue Court’s judgment discharging AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and 21 others in the Delhi Excise Policy case. Sources within the agency confirmed that they will approach the Delhi High Court to contest the trial court’s observation that allegations of a “central conspiratorial role” could not be substantiated.
The Rouse Avenue Court, in its landmark ruling, had observed that the prosecution’s case “failed judicial scrutiny” and found “no criminal intent” on the part of former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia. Special Judge Jitender Singh remarked that the CBI’s conspiracy theory “cannot survive against one constitutional authority” based on the evidence provided. Despite these observations, the CBI maintains that the evidence of criminal conspiracy should be viewed in its entirety and tested during a full trial, asserting they have “adequate material” to frame charges.
The agency’s investigation, which began in 2022 following a complaint by the L-G, alleged that a “South Lobby” paid ₹100 crore in kickbacks to influence the now-scrapped policy. The 23 accused who have now been discharged include prominent figures such as K. Kavitha, Vijay Nair, and Durgesh Pathak. Throughout the arguments, the CBI, represented by Additional Solicitor General D. P. Singh, contended that investigative gaps should not result in a discharge at this stage.
Following the court’s decision, an emotional Arvind Kejriwal broke down outside the premises, declaring the verdict a victory for “honesty.” Addressing a sea of reporters, the AAP supremo launched a scathing attack on the central government, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of orchestrating the “biggest political conspiracy in independent India” to dismantle his party. “I am not corrupt. The court has said that Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia are honest,” he stated, adding that the truth has finally emerged victorious.
As the CBI prepares its appeal for the Delhi High Court, the political temperature in the national capital remains at an all-time high. The AAP has characterized the discharge as a “certificate of integrity,” while the BJP has yet to issue a formal response to Kejriwal’s direct allegations. The upcoming legal battle in the High Court is expected to be a pivotal moment for both the investigative agency’s credibility and the political future of the Aam Aadmi Party’s top leadership.
