In a massive setback to AAP leader and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, the Supreme Court on Monday rejected his bail pleas in corruption and money-laundering cases related to the alleged Delhi liquor policy scam.

A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and S V N Bhatti, which had reserved its verdict on October 17, pronounced the verdict on Monday, Bar and Bench reported.

Also Read: Delhi excise policy case: Manish Sisodia’s judicial custody extended till November 22

The 51-year-old had sought bail in two separate cases against him — one filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the other by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Manish Sisodia’s arrest

Manish Sisodia was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on February 26 for his alleged role in the “scam”. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader has been in custody since then.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) later arrested Sisodia in a money-laundering case stemming from the CBI FIR on March 9 after questioning him in the Tihar jail.

Also Read: Shocking misbehaviour’: AAP on policeman dragging Manish Sisodia video, Delhi police denies charge

Delhi excise policy

The excise policy, implemented by the Delhi government on November 17, 2021, was terminated at the close of September 2022 amid allegations of corruption. According to investigative agencies, this new policy increased the profit margin for wholesalers, rising from 5 per cent to 12 per cent due to financial considerations.

These agencies have further alleged that the new policy led to cartelisation and favoured those ineligible for liquor licenses in exchange for financial benefits.

Also Read: Manish Sisodia moves Supreme Court challenging Delhi HC order denying bail in excise policy case

A liquor lobby, the CBI dubbed the “South Group” had paid kickbacks, part of which was routed to public servants. The Enforcement Directorate alleged the laundering of the kickbacks.

The Delhi High Court had denied him bail in the CBI case on May 30, saying he is a “high-profile” person who has the potential to influence witnesses. On July 3, it declined bail in the money laundering case.