In a recent hearing before the Supreme Court, Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi voiced his concerns over media coverage and discussions surrounding ongoing legal matters. Singhvi, representing former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in a bail case, brought attention to the timing of news articles related to Sisodia's case, which seemed to coincide with court listings.

Sisodia is currently facing charges of money laundering and corruption in connection with a now-defunct liquor policy in the national capital. He has been in custody since February and is under investigation by both the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Directorate of Enforcement (ED).

During the hearing, Singhvi requested interim bail on humanitarian grounds, citing the deteriorating health of Sisodia's wife. However, Justice Sanjiv Khanna noted that the CBI had stated that Sisodia's wife had been suffering from an illness for the past two decades. Singhvi explained that her condition was degenerative and had recently worsened, leading to hospital admissions. The court decided to consider the bail plea at a later date.

Singhvi also expressed concerns about the media's routine discussion of case merits even before court proceedings conclude. He mentioned plans to create a chart showing the publication dates of news articles and court postings, highlighting the issue of premature media coverage.

The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices Khanna and SVN Bhatti, adjourned the hearing at the joint request of Singhvi and Additional Solicitor-General SV Raju. Singhvi urged the court to accommodate their urgent matter on October 4.

This concern over media coverage of legal cases follows recent developments where the Chief Justice of India's bench expressed concerns about 'media trials' and directed the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to establish guidelines for police media briefings.

The underlying controversy in this case revolves around the Delhi government's excise policy aimed at increasing revenue and reforming the liquor trade in 2021. However, the policy faced allegations of irregularities in its implementation, prompting a CBI investigation ordered by Lieutenant-Governor Vinay Kumar Saxena. The investigations have led to the arrest of Manish Sisodia and others, with allegations of corruption and undue advantages granted to private entities.

Sisodia's bail applications in both the CBI and ED cases were previously rejected by Special Judge MK Nagpal of Rouse Avenue Courts in Delhi. Subsequently, the Delhi High Court also denied his bail plea in the money laundering and corruption cases related to the liquor policy. Sisodia has now approached the Supreme Court to challenge these decisions.

In summary, Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi raised concerns about media coverage impacting ongoing legal cases during a Supreme Court hearing for Manish Sisodia's bail plea. The case revolves around allegations of corruption and money laundering in connection with a Delhi liquor policy, with Sisodia currently in custody and facing investigations by the CBI and ED. Singhvi's concerns highlight the need for guidelines on media coverage of legal matters.

Case Information:

1. Manish Sisodia vs. Central Bureau of Investigation

   • Special Leave Petition (Criminal) Number: 8167 of 2023

2. Manish Sisodia vs. Directorate of Enforcement

   • Special Leave Petition (Criminal) Number: 8188 of 2023