Manish Sisodia, a prominent leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister, has taken legal action by submitting a review petition to the Supreme Court. This move comes in response to the court's October 30 decision denying him bail in connection to the money-laundering case linked to the Delhi excise policy scam. Advocated by Vivek Jain on November 24, the petition aims to prompt a reconsideration of the earlier ruling, which was based on concerns raised by the court regarding a confirmed transfer of ₹338 crore.

The bench, comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and SVN Bhatti, refused bail to Sisodia on October 30, highlighting questionable aspects in the analysis, particularly related to the substantial fund transfer. The court, in its decision, explicitly stated, "We have rejected the bail." It also outlined an option for Sisodia to approach the court again if the trial continues with negligence in the next six months. Since February 26, Sisodia has been under incarceration, facing investigations by both the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The scandal centers around allegations that officials in the Delhi government collaborated to improperly issue liquor licenses in exchange for bribes. The implicated officials are accused of manipulating the excise policy to favor specific liquor vendors, implying a corrupt arrangement within the administration.

Earlier, Sisodia faced denial of bail by the Delhi High Court in cases filed against him by both the CBI and the ED. Seeking relief, he approached the Supreme Court, leading to the ongoing legal proceedings.

Throughout the hearings, the bench emphasized key legal aspects, particularly in relation to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). It stressed that a predicate offense must precede the money laundering offense, cautioning against the fabrication of such offenses by the ED. The bench also sought evidence of bribery linking Sisodia to the alleged scam from both the CBI and the ED.

During the hearings, the bench made a significant observation, noting that advocacy by lobby or pressure groups for a specific policy change does not automatically indicate corruption or a criminal act unless there is evidence of bribery. Despite this observation, the bench chose not to grant bail, prompting Sisodia's decision to file the current review petition.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the review petition by Manish Sisodia adds another chapter to the ongoing case, shedding light on the intricacies of the Delhi excise policy scam and the legal considerations surrounding it.