Delhi Liquor Policy Case News Live Updates: Highlights
THE TIMES OF INDIA | Feb 28, 2026, 14:07:31 IST
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Delhi Liquor Policy Case News Live Updates: Highlights

The Rouse Avenue Court’s decision to discharge Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia in the Delhi Excise Policy case marks a significant development in one of the most high-profile political investigations in recent years. The court held that the prosecution failed to substantiate allegations of a central conspiratorial role and found no criminal intent, particularly in Sisodia’s case.

The CBI had accused 23 individuals, alleging that Rs 100 crore was paid to influence the excise policy. However, the defence successfully argued that Kejriwal was not named in the initial chargesheets and that no direct incriminating material linked him to the alleged conspiracy.

The verdict triggered emotional reactions from Kejriwal and strong political statements targeting the BJP leadership. While the AAP termed the ruling a victory for truth and constitutional values, the CBI has decided to challenge the discharge before the Delhi High Court, ensuring the legal battle is far from over.
14:07 (IST) Feb 28
Delhi Liquor Policy Case News Live Updates: Arvind Kejriwal offers prayers at Hanuman Mandir in Delhi
A day after being discharged by a Delhi court in the excise policy case, Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal visited the Hanuman Mandir on Saturday.
09:04 (IST) Feb 28
Delhi Liquor Policy Case News Live Updates: Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh and Durgesh Pathak to visit CP Hanuman Temple
AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, along with senior party leaders Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh and Durgesh Pathak, will visit CP Hanuman Temple today at 12 PM and offer prayers: Sources tell news Agency PTI
16:59 (IST) Feb 27
'The real cost of this conspiracy by Modi ji and Amit Shah is being borne by Delhi,' says Kejriwal
“There is another way, I have said this before, but that is not something Modi ji can do. I built 500 schools in Delhi; you build 5,000 schools across the country. I improved the roads in Delhi; you fix the roads across the entire nation. Then no one would even ask about Kejriwal anymore. But that is not something Modi ji can do. I want to say this to the Prime Minister, this is the result of the hunger for power of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. This conspiracy is born out of that lust for power. I am a small person in all this, but our families have suffered. My wife has often been unwell and had to be admitted to the hospital. My mother cried a lot...The real cost of this conspiracy by Modi ji and Amit Shah is being borne by Delhi. The three crore people of Delhi are suffering because of it. Who will take responsibility for that?” said AAP Arvind Kejriwal.

16:42 (IST) Feb 27
Arvind Kejriwal News: 'I have earned nothing in my life except honesty and respect,' says Kejriwal
“They could see they could not defeat us in Delhi. They knew the people of Delhi were happy with our work and that they had no ground to stand on when it came to the politics of performance. So they hatched a conspiracy. The public knows that Kejriwal is honest, so they attacked my honesty. The public knows that the Aam Aadmi Party is honest, so they targeted the party’s integrity. They conspired to finish the Aam Aadmi Party, repeatedly saying, ‘Kejriwal is dishonest, Kejriwal is dishonest.’ They accused me of a liquor scam, of taking money, of siphoning off Rs 100 crore. I have earned nothing in my life except honesty and respect. I have not earned a single illegal penny. I am not like them. I have earned only honesty, and that is what they wanted to destroy. That is why they hatched this conspiracy,” said Kejriwal.
16:35 (IST) Feb 27
Arvind Kejriwal News: 'I'll quit politics if BJP wins even 10 seats': Kejriwal dares PM Modi to hold fresh Delhi polls
"I challenge PM Modi to hold fresh polls in Delhi, if BJP wins over 10 seats, I will quit politics," said Kejriwal in a press brief.
16:31 (IST) Feb 27
Arvind Kejriwal News: 'There is not even an iota of evidence': Kejriwal calls court's order 'historic'
“For the past four years, the ED, the CBI and all central agencies were used to level what was called a liquor scam against us. The CBI and the ED filed chargesheets in the case. Today, the court had to decide prima facie whether there was sufficient material, based on evidence and witness statements, to even run a trial. The trial had not begun yet. The court only had to decide whether there was enough material to proceed with a trial. In its nearly 600-page order, after considering all the evidence and all witness statements, the court said there is not even an iota of evidence, not even credible witness statements, to justify even conducting a trial. There is not a single piece of evidence on the basis of which a trial can be run,” said Kejriwal.

“You should read the order. It is a historic order. The court has clearly stated that there is not a single piece of evidence, not a single witness, on the basis of which a trial can even be conducted. Who hatched this conspiracy and why? This entire conspiracy was jointly hatched by two people, PM Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah,” he futher said.








16:25 (IST) Feb 27
Arvind Kejriwal News: Kejriwal says PM Modi, Amit Shah should apologise to country
Former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal says ED and CBI were weaponised and demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah to apologise to the nation for "conspiring to finish" his party, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
16:18 (IST) Feb 27
Arvind Kejriwal arrives at the party office to address the media
AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal arrived at the party office to address the media.
16:14 (IST) Feb 27
Arvind Kejriwal News: Kejriwal holds road show after relief in liquor scam case; to address media shortly
Former Delhi CM and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal waved to supporters as a large crowd gathered outside his residence while he left for the party office.Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia were discharged today by Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court in excise policy scam case.
16:07 (IST) Feb 27
Delhi Liquor Policy Case News Live Updates: Arvind Kejriwal greets his supporters as he leaves for the party office from his residence
15:40 (IST) Feb 27
Delhi Liquor Policy Case News Live Updates: Would like to thank God today, says Sunita Kejriwal
Sunita Kejriwal, wife of AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, expressed her gratitude and relief after a Delhi court discharged her husband and party leader Manish Sisodia in the Excise policy case. "I would like to thank God today. Arvind ji has spent his life with honesty. But these people (BJP) sent Arvind ji and his associates to jail. I had faith that truth would prevail. I would like to thank all those who stood by us..." she said while speaking to reporters.
15:04 (IST) Feb 27

The court has said that it meticulously went through all evidence produced by CBI and not a shred of allegation can be said to cross the threshold of charge. The court has discharged them, saying that there is no allegation which can be held to be true in this matter. The court has also said that the framing of the excise policy was done through institutional safeguards, and there cannot be any doubt on the mannerism and the way the policy has been framed.

Advocate Vivek Jain, Arvind Kejriwal's counsel

14:59 (IST) Feb 27
Delhi Liquor Policy Case News Live Updates: What Arvind Kejriwal's lawyer said
Advocate Vivek Jain, counsel for AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal, on Friday stated that the court, while examining the case, "meticulously went through all evidence produced by CBI and not a shred of allegation can be said to cross the threshold of charge."
Speaking to ANI, "The court has said that it meticulously went through all evidence produced by CBI and not a shred of allegation can be said to cross the threshold of charge. The court has discharged them, saying that there is no allegation which can be held to be true in this matter. The court has also said that the framing of the excise policy was done through institutional safeguards, and there cannot be any doubt on the mannerism and the way the policy has been framed." Earlier today, the Rouse Avenue Court on Friday discharged Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in the Delhi Excise Policy case. The court observed that the alleged central conspiratorial role could not be substantiated. The court noted that the allegations "failed judicial scrutiny" and found "no criminal intent" on the part of Manish Sisodia. It further stated that the conspiracy theory "cannot survive against one constitutional authority."
14:21 (IST) Feb 27
Delhi Liquor Policy Case News Live Updates: Arvind Kejriwal's 'kattar imaandaari' is before entire nation today, says Atishi
On Arvind Kejriwal's acquittal in excise policy case, AAP leader Atishi says, Arvind Kejriwal's 'kattar imaandaari' is before the entire nation today. On one side, it is the BJP's conspiracy, hunger for power and misuse of central agencies; on the other side is Arvind Kejriwal's and AAP's honesty."
14:18 (IST) Feb 27
Delhi Liquor Policy Case News Live Updates: Narendra Modi was India's first CM made to sit for 9 hours by ED, says Sukanta Majumdar
Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar said, "This is a court matter, so I won't say much, but I will say that Narendra Modi was India's first Chief Minister made to sit for 9 hours by ED, CBI and questioned. We didn't fight anywhere. At that time, was ED used properly or misused?"
14:10 (IST) Feb 27

In this world, no matter how powerful one becomes, one cannot rise above Shiva Shakti. Truth always prevails.

Sunita Kejriwal

14:05 (IST) Feb 27
Delhi Liquor Policy Case News Live Updates: AAP will protect the Constitution of the country, says Harpal Singh Cheema
Punjab minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, "This was a false case by the BJP and it has been exposed today. Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia have been acquitted. This shows that the BJP wants to break the Constitution and the democracy of the country. We will strengthen democracy of the country. AAP will protect the Constitution of the country.I think a case should be registered against such agencies, officers concerned should be jailed and BJP leaders should be jailed."
13:32 (IST) Feb 27
Arvind Kejriwal News: 5 months, 17 months, and finally freedom: Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia cleared in Delhi excise case

Former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) were acquitted on Friday in the Delhi excise policy case.Kejriwal spent around five months in jail in connection with the case, while Sisodia remained behind bars for around 17 months before securing bail. The case, investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), was linked to allegations surrounding the 2021-22 Delhi liquor policy. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) also probed the matter under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

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13:26 (IST) Feb 27
Delhi Liquor Policy Case News Live Updates: Central government misusing institutions for electoral benefits, says RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav says, “Cases are being repeatedly filed against opposition leaders as part of political vendetta. The Central government is misusing institutions for electoral benefits.”
13:20 (IST) Feb 27
Delhi Liquor Policy Case News Live Updates: Sweets distributed outside Arvind Kejriwal’s house after court acquits him
Sweets being distributed outside AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal's house after a court discharged the former Delhi chief minister, his ex-deputy Manish Sisodia and 21 others in the politically charged liquor policy case by refusing to take cognisance of the CBI chargesheet against them.
13:13 (IST) Feb 27
In a major development in the Delhi excise policy case, a Rouse Avenue court in the national capital on Friday discharged all 23 accused, including former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, in the case registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Read complete timeline of events.
13:10 (IST) Feb 27
Delhi Liquor Policy Case News Live Updates: Ignored or not considered, says CBI
The CBI will challenge the discharge of former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and ex-Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in the liquor policy case in Delhi High Court "immediately," officials said on Friday.

The agency feels that the appeal is necessary since several aspects of the investigation have either been "ignored or not considered" by the trial court, they said.
12:52 (IST) Feb 27
Delhi Liquor Policy Case News Live Updates: Several aspects of probe either ignored, says CBI
Several aspects of probe either ignored or not considered adequately: CBI on trial court discharging Kejriwal, others in excise policy case (News agency PTI)
12:35 (IST) Feb 27
On Friday, senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders welcomed the court’s decision to acquit former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and senior leader Manish Sisodia in the excise policy case, calling the verdict a “victory of truth” and a firm rebuttal to what they described as a politically driven campaign against the party. The ruling sparked strong political reactions, with AAP leaders emphasizing that the allegations had not withstood judicial scrutiny.

“Truth alone triumphs. Today, once again, I feel proud of Baba Saheb Ambedkar Ji's visionary thinking and the Constitution he crafted. Despite all the attempts by Modi Ji's entire party and all their agencies to prove us dishonest, today it has been proven that Arvind Kejriwal - Manish Sisodia are staunchly honest,” said AAP senior leader Manish Sisodia, who had spent significant time in jail in connection with the case.
12:30 (IST) Feb 27
Delhi Liquor Policy Case News Live Updates: Family of former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal welcomes him (Photo)
Delhi Liquor Policy Case News Live Updates: Family of former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal welcomes him (Photo)

The family of former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal received him warmly at his residence as he returned with former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. Both AAP leaders had been discharged by the Rouse Avenue Court in the Delhi Excise Policy case

12:27 (IST) Feb 27
Delhi Liquor Policy Case News Live Updates: Delhi court recommended departmental inquiry against IO
The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi has suggested initiating a departmental inquiry against the investigating officer in the CBI’s Delhi Excise Policy case.
12:25 (IST) Feb 27
Delhi Liquor Policy Case News Live Updates: I am not corrupt says, Arvind Kejriwal
Addressing supporters after the court’s order, Arvind Kejriwal said, “I am not corrupt. The court has said that Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia are honest,” asserting that the verdict had vindicated both him and senior party leader Manish Sisodia.In a post on ‘X’, Kejriwal’s wife, Sunita Kejriwal said, "In this world, no matter how powerful one becomes, one cannot rise above Shiva Shakti. Truth always prevails."
12:24 (IST) Feb 27
On Friday, the Rouse Avenue Court discharged former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in the Delhi Excise Policy case. The court stated that the alleged central conspiratorial role of the two leaders could not be proven. It noted that the allegations “failed judicial scrutiny” and found no criminal intent on Sisodia’s part, adding that the conspiracy theory “cannot hold against a constitutional authority.”


12:23 (IST) Feb 27
Sources in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) told TOI on Friday that the agency plans to move the Delhi High Court to challenge the Rouse Avenue Court’s order that discharged Aam Aadmi Party leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia in the Delhi Excise Policy
The Rouse Avenue Court discharged former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in the Delhi Excise Policy case, holding that the alleged central conspiratorial role attributed to them could not be substantiated. The court observed that the accusations failed judicial scrutiny and specifically found no criminal intent on Sisodia’s part, noting that the conspiracy theory could not survive against one constitutional authority.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had filed its first chargesheet in 2022, followed by multiple supplementary chargesheets, alleging that Rs 100 crore was paid by a “south lobby” to influence the now-scrapped excise policy. In total, 23 individuals were chargesheeted. During arguments, the agency maintained that the offence of criminal conspiracy must be viewed in its entirety and that the adequacy of evidence should be tested at trial.

The defence argued there was no incriminating material linking Kejriwal to the alleged conspiracy. Senior advocate N Hariharan contended that Kejriwal’s name appeared only in the fourth supplementary chargesheet and that earlier filings did not implicate him.

Following the verdict, Kejriwal became emotional, asserting that he was not corrupt and describing the case as a political conspiracy. Sisodia welcomed the decision, stating that truth had prevailed. Meanwhile, the CBI indicated it would challenge the discharge order before the Delhi High Court.