Supreme Court says Manish Sisodia has a right to a speedy trial and grants him bail.
Judges BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan delivered a stunning decision, ruling that the AAP leader was entitled to a "speedy trial" and that returning him to a trial court would be a "travesty of justice."
New Delhi: Friday morning, the Supreme Court granted bail to Manish Sisodia, the former deputy chief minister of Delhi, eighteen months after the CBI had detained him in connection with an alleged liquor policy case.
Judges BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan delivered a stunning decision, ruling that the AAP leader was entitled to a "speedy trial" and that returning him to a trial court would be a "travesty of justice." Also, the court ruled that Mr. Sisodia's fundamental rights would be violated by being detained in jail for a "unlimited time."
As he questioned the lower courts, Justice Gavai declared, "Incarceration of 18 months... Trial not having even commenced and appellant has been deprived of right to speedy trial."
The High Court and Trial Court should have given this the appropriate consideration. It has slipped the minds of judges that refusing bail is not appropriate punishment. Fundamentally, jail is an exception and bail is the norm."
"Retaining the appellant in prison indefinitely will violate their fundamental rights. The appellant is well-established in society and has no intention of leaving. In any case, restrictions may be placed."
The highest court also expressed disapproval of the way federal authorities handled the issue in a number of ways. Justice Gavai stated, for instance, that "493 witnesses were named in this case, and it is highly unlikely that Manish Sisodia's trial will be concluded anytime soon."
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