New Delhi: Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court has acquitted Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and all co-accused in the case linked to the capital’s now scrapped liquor policy, according to the latest court order.
The court ruled that the prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence to establish criminal wrongdoing against the accused. Observations in the judgment reportedly pointed to procedural gaps and a lack of material proof connecting the accused to alleged irregularities in the implementation of the excise policy.
The case had centered on allegations that the liquor policy introduced by the Delhi government caused financial loss to the exchequer and benefited private parties through unlawful means. Investigating agencies had accused senior officials and political figures of involvement in policy manipulation and corruption.
Lawyers representing Kejriwal welcomed the verdict, calling it a vindication of their long-standing claim that the case was politically motivated. They said the court’s decision reinforced the principle that policy decisions cannot be criminalized without clear evidence of corruption or personal gain.
Opposition parties, however, maintained that the matter raised serious questions about governance and accountability. They said they would study the judgment in detail before deciding their next course of action.
The Delhi government stated that the acquittal restores public confidence in democratic institutions and the rule of law. Officials said the focus would now return to governance and service delivery.
The verdict brings temporary legal relief to Kejriwal and other accused, though legal experts note that further appeals or related proceedings could still arise depending on the stance taken by investigative agencies.
