Delhi Excise Case: Arvind Kejriwal in Tears after Court Discharges
Arvind Kejriwal with wife Sunita Kejriwal during Sundar Kand (Image credit X @AAPDelhi)
Rouse Avenue Court Says ‘Serious Allegations Need Evidence’, Closes CBI Case Against 23 Accused in Delhi Excise Policy Case
By NIRENDRA DEV
New Delhi, February 27, 2026 — In a dramatic turn in the Delhi Excise Policy case, a Delhi court on Friday discharged former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia and 21 others, ruling that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) failed to establish a prima facie case.
Special Judge (PC Act) Jitendra Singh of the Rouse Avenue Court passed the order, effectively closing the CBI’s case against all 23 accused. The court made strong observations against the investigative agency, stating that serious allegations must be backed by material evidence, and that the prosecution’s theory of an overarching conspiracy did not survive judicial scrutiny.
Court Pulls Up CBI Over ‘Approver-Based Narrative’
In sharp remarks, the court cautioned against building a prosecution case primarily on approver statements. “If such conduct is allowed, it would be a grave violation of constitutional principles. The conduct where an accused is granted pardon and then made an approver, his statements used to fill the gaps in the investigation and make additional people accused is wrong,” the judge observed.
The court further ruled that there was no overarching conspiracy or criminal intent in the formulation of the excise policy and that the CBI’s narrative rested on conjecture rather than concrete proof.
The case had been registered by the CBI on July 20, 2022, based on a complaint by Delhi Lieutenant Governor V. K. Saxena.
Emotional Scenes Outside Court
Soon after the verdict, Kejriwal broke down in court premises. A journalist was heard frantically calling his cameraperson, saying, “Kejriwal ro raha hai yaar, tu kahaan reh gaya,” realising the emotional moment had been missed on camera.
Addressing supporters, Kejriwal said: “The BJP was accusing us. Today, the court dismissed all charges and discharged all the accused. We have faith in the Indian judicial system, and I thank the judge for doing justice.”
His wife, Sunita Kejriwal, expressed gratitude, stating that truth had prevailed and thanking those who stood by the family during the legal battle.
CBI to Challenge Order
The CBI is expected to approach the Delhi High Court challenging the Rouse Avenue Court judgment. Sources indicate that the agency will seek reversal of the discharge order. The court also noted that even accused number one, Kuldeep Singh — on whose basis the case was titled CBI vs Kuldeep Singh & Others — had no prima facie evidence against him.
Legal experts say the High Court battle could determine the future trajectory of the politically charged case.
Big Political Boost for AAP?
The discharge order comes as a major morale booster for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which had consistently termed the excise case politically motivated.
For Kejriwal and Sisodia, the ruling marks a significant legal victory, though the matter is far from over given the CBI’s decision to appeal. The broader political impact will now hinge on how the Delhi High Court responds — and whether the prosecution can marshal stronger evidence to sustain its case.
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