Delhi Excise Policy: A look at the events that led to arrest of Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia under Prevention of Corruption Act, IPC

As the Supreme Court braces to hear a petition challenging the arrest of Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in connection with the liquor policy scam in less than an hour, here’s a look at the timeline of events that led to arrest of the Aam Aadmi Party leader under relevant Sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Indian Penal Code, which attract a maximum sentence of seven years.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Sunday arrested Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia over his alleged involvement in the liquor scam case.

On October 17, 2022, CBI had registered an FIR against 15 persons, including Sisodia, under Section 477A and 120B of the Indian Penal (IPC) and Section 7 of the PC Act.

Section 477A of IPC was related to falsification of accounts with intent to defraud punishment, extendable for seven years or fine or both.

Section 120B of IPC was related to criminal conspiracy, which attracts maximum punishment of six months, or fine or with both

Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act was related to a public servant taking gratification in doing any official act, which attracts maximum punishment of five years and fine.

The matter dates back to November 17, 2021, when the Delhi Excise Policy came into force.

On July 8, 2022, a report by Delhi Chief Secretary alleged that the AAP-led government had violated the Government of Delhi Act, 1991; Transaction of Business rules, 1993; Delhi Excise Act, 2009 and the Delhi Excise Rules, 2010.

On July 22 last year, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena recommended CBI probe in to the violations.

This was followed by CBI registering an FIR in October last year and subsequent arrest of the Delhi Deputy Chief Minister on February 26, 2023.