Former chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti on Friday said the acquittal of Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, K Kavitha and others in the excise policy case exposes the high-handedness of investigative agencies and the misuse of power for political ends.
Former Delhi chief minister Kejriwal, former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, and 21 others were acquitted on Friday by a Delhi court in the high-profile state excise policy case.
Reacting to the acquittal, Mehbooba said that the verdict exposes the “high-handedness” of investigative agencies.
“Today’s judgement discharging Kejriwal, Sisodia & Kavitha in the excise policy case exposes the high-handedness of investigative agencies. When agencies are wielded like political swords, justice becomes the first casualty and truth surfaces only after years of pain and tears. No prima facie case. No credible evidence. Yet years of incarceration,” she said on X. “Nothing is more dangerous than the misuse of power and the weaponisation of institutions. Yet somehow it continues unabated,” she added.
Meanwhile, Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) headed by jailed MP Engineer Rashid, on Friday welcomed the decision of a Delhi court discharging AAP leaders, saying the verdict reaffirms faith in the judiciary and the principle that truth ultimately prevails.
In a statement, AIP chief spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said the court’s observations regarding lack of evidence and investigative lapses highlight how political cases often collapse when tested before an independent judiciary. He said the decision sends a strong message that justice may be delayed but cannot be denied.
“In a democracy, courts remain the ultimate safeguard against misuse of power. The discharge of Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia once again proves that allegations driven by political motivations cannot stand the test of law,” he said.
Inam expressed hope that similar justice would prevail in the case of AIP supremo and Member of Parliament from Baramulla, Er Rashid, who, he said, has also been a victim of political vendetta and prolonged incarceration despite representing the democratic aspirations of lakhs of people.
“We firmly believe that justice will ultimately reach Er Rashid as well. The people of North Kashmir and the entire region continue to wait with hope for fairness and judicial relief,” he added.
The AIP spokesperson further said that the verdict also revives hope among thousands of Kashmiris who have been waiting for justice for decades. “People here have lived through years and years of uncertainty, waiting for justice together as a society. Decisions like these strengthen their belief that institutions will eventually uphold truth and fairness,” he said.
