Digital News Guru New Delhi Desk:
Arvind Kejriwal Breaks Down After Court Clears Him in Excise Policy Case
On February 27, 2026, a Rouse Avenue Court in New Delhi delivered a dramatic judgment in the high-profile Delhi excise (liquor) policy case, discharging Arvind Kejriwal, the former Chief Minister of Delhi and national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), along with former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia and 21 others from all charges. The verdict triggered an emotional response from Kejriwal, who broke down in tears as he spoke to journalists outside the court, calling it a vindication of his integrity after years of legal battles.
The case, which has loomed large over Delhi politics since 2022, accused Kejriwal and his colleagues of wrongdoing in the formulation and implementation of the 2021-22 excise policy. But on Friday, the court ruled that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against any of the accused and that there was no evidence of an overarching criminal conspiracy or criminal intent.
The Verdict and Legal Reasoning
Special Judge Jitendra Singh presided over the case, hearing arguments and examining the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) chargesheet. The court’s written order sharply criticized the quality of the investigation, noting that:
- The chargesheet was voluminous but lacked corroborative evidence and witness testimony.
- The prosecution’s theory of conspiracy did not stand up to judicial scrutiny, with internal contradictions undercutting its claims.
- The CBI’s reliance on statements from approvers (accused turned state witness) was improper and insufficient to sustain serious allegations.
As a result, the court refused to take cognizance of the chargesheet and discharged all 23 accused, meaning the case will not proceed to trial unless the prosecution successfully appeals. The judge even issued a sharp rebuke to the investigative agency for its approach in handling the matter.
Kejriwal’s Emotional Reaction
Just moments after the verdict was read out, Kejriwal was seen visibly moved, struggling to hold back tears as he addressed reporters. In the emotional interaction, he repeatedly insisted that “I am not corrupt” and that the court’s ruling showed that both he and Sisodia were “kattar imaandaar” (completely honest).
He also lambasted the way the allegations were pursued, saying that the entire case had been a politically motivated campaign to tarnish his reputation and weaken his party. According to his statements, the case was the “biggest political conspiracy in independent India” aimed at eliminating the AAP’s credibility.
Kejriwal’s emotional reaction wasn’t limited to words. Video footage widely shared on social media showed him weeping as he spoke to the press; later, he embraced his wife, Sunita Kejriwal, who also expressed relief and gratitude that “truth has prevailed.”
Background: What the Case Was About
The controversy began with the Delhi government’s 2021-22 excise policy, which was intended to reform how liquor was sold and regulated in the capital. Soon after its introduction, criticisms and allegations emerged that the policy favored certain private entities at the expense of public revenue, leading to probes by both the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under anti-corruption and money-laundering laws.
The CBI alleged that a lobby known as the “South Group” paid significant sums as kickbacks (reportedly Rs 100 crore) to benefit from higher profit margins created by the policy. The ED’s investigation ran concurrently under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Over time, the case snowballed into a broader political battle. Both Kejriwal and Sisodia were arrested — Kejriwal in March 2024 and Sisodia earlier in February 2023 — and spent months in custody before being released on bail. The legal battles coincided with the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, in which the AAP lost power to the national ruling party, dealing a blow to its dominance in the capital.
Political Repercussions
The court’s verdict is already reverberating across India’s political landscape. For Kejriwal and the AAP, it represents a moment of vindication after years of legal and political pressure. The party’s leadership has seized on the ruling to argue that their opponents used law enforcement and investigative agencies for political ends — a claim that has been hotly contested by critics.
Conversely, opposition leaders have responded with caution. Some representatives from the ruling party at the national level described the verdict as a technical matter that should not be over-interpreted, and indicated that the CBI may challenge the decision in the High Court.
Legal experts also note that the court’s refusal to take cognizance of the chargesheet is a distinct procedural outcome — not technically an acquittal after trial — and that future proceedings could unfold if an appeal is accepted by a higher court.
What Happens Next
With the case now effectively closed at first instance, several developments are likely on the horizon:
- The CBI has signaled intentions to appeal the discharge order in a higher court.
- The ED’s separate money-laundering investigation continues, though its course following this ruling is uncertain.
- Politically, the verdict may reshape narratives as the AAP and Kejriwal regain some momentum ahead of future elections.
In conclusion, the dramatic courtroom vindication and emotional reaction from one of India’s most prominent regional leaders underscore both the legal complexity and deep political significance of the Delhi excise policy case. The ruling has not only cleared key figures of serious allegations but also reignited debates around the role of investigative agencies, judicial scrutiny and political rivalry in India’s evolving democratic system.
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