Senior advocate Vikas Singh has described the discharge of Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case as a “landmark moment for criminal jurisprudence,” saying the court’s observations reinforce the principle that prosecution must be backed by solid evidence, not assumptions.
Reacting to the court’s order, Singh said the ruling highlights the judiciary’s role in protecting individuals from what he termed “unfounded criminal proceedings.” He argued that the decision sends a strong message that investigative agencies must meet strict evidentiary standards before pursuing charges, especially in high-profile political cases.
Kejriwal was granted relief in a case filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation related to alleged irregularities in the now-withdrawn Delhi liquor policy. The court reportedly observed that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case sufficient to proceed against the accused.
According to Singh, the order underlines a fundamental aspect of criminal law that mere allegations or uncorroborated statements cannot replace documentary proof and a clear chain of evidence. “Criminal jurisprudence is built on the presumption of innocence. This ruling strengthens that foundation,” he said.
The development has triggered sharp political reactions. Leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party hailed the decision as a vindication of their claims that the case was politically motivated. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party maintained that investigations into the broader excise policy matter are ongoing and that due process should continue.
Legal experts note that while the discharge order offers immediate relief to Kejriwal in this particular case, other related proceedings may still be active. However, they agree that the court’s emphasis on evidentiary standards could have wider implications for how investigative agencies frame charges in future corruption cases.
As the political debate continues, the ruling is being closely examined in legal circles as a significant reaffirmation of procedural safeguards within India’s criminal justice system.
