An Indian court has dismissed corruption charges against former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, nearly two years after his arrest. Kejriwal, leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), was detained in March 2024, just weeks before India’s general elections. Authorities had accused him of granting undue advantages to private retailers through a liquor policy.
On Friday, the court cleared Kejriwal and 23 others, stating there was no evidence of a conspiracy or criminal intent in the excise policy. The judge also criticized the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for conducting a poor investigation and recommended a departmental inquiry into the agency’s officials. The CBI has announced plans to appeal the decision.
Outside the court, Kejriwal was emotional as he spoke to journalists, embraced by former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. “In the end, truth prevails,” Kejriwal said. Sisodia and AAP spokesperson Sanjay Singh were also among those cleared.
The arrests of Kejriwal, Sisodia, and Singh followed repeated denials of bail by the trial court and Delhi High Court, before the Supreme Court eventually granted relief.
Kejriwal had alleged that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which controls the capital’s police and investigative agencies, orchestrated a political plot against him. The BJP denied these accusations.
The court rebuked the CBI for relying on statements from approvers—accomplices who turn state witnesses for leniency—calling it a violation of constitutional principles. The judge emphasized that a fair investigation is essential for a fair trial.
The controversial liquor policy, introduced by Kejriwal’s government in 2021, aimed to curb black market sales, boost revenue, and ensure fair distribution of liquor licenses. It was later withdrawn after Delhi’s Lieutenant-Governor, Vinai Kumar Saxena, accused the AAP of exploiting regulations to favor private liquor barons.
The CBI case was initiated in July 2022, following a complaint by Saxena.
