Former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal broke down emotionally on Friday while addressing the media, moments after a Delhi court discharged him in the high-profile Delhi excise policy case. The verdict brought an end to a long legal battle that had dominated Delhi politics for over three years.
As Kejriwal stepped out to speak to reporters, his voice trembled, and tears welled up as he reacted to the court’s decision. The court discharged all 23 accused named in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case, including Kejriwal and former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia.
“I Am Not Corrupt,” Says Kejriwal
Struggling to hold back tears, Kejriwal addressed the media shortly after the verdict. “I am not corrupt. The court has said that Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia are kattar imaandaar (completely honest),” he said, breaking down mid-speech. Sisodia was seen consoling him as cameras captured the emotional moment.
VIDEO | AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) breaks down as he addresses media after appearing before Rouse Avenue Court over the Delhi Excise Policy case. He says, “For the past few years, the way BJP has been accusing us in the Delhi excise policy case, today… pic.twitter.com/jtREb0JyVi
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 27, 2026
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor described the ruling as a moment of truth, saying the allegations had caused immense personal and political pain over the years.
What Was the Delhi Excise Policy Case?
The Delhi Excise Policy 2021–22 was introduced when the AAP government was in power in the national capital. The policy aimed to restructure liquor sales in Delhi but soon became the centre of intense political controversy.
The Central Bureau of Investigation alleged that the policy led to financial losses for the Delhi government by reducing licence fees and fixing profit margins. Investigators claimed the policy was designed to benefit select private entities.
Based on these allegations, the CBI registered a case in August 2022 following a complaint by then Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena. The agency alleged a criminal conspiracy during the formulation of the policy.
Delhi Court’s Big Verdict Explained
On Friday, the Rouse Avenue Court delivered a significant verdict, rejecting the CBI’s claims. Special Judge (PC Act) Jitender Singh ruled that there was no overarching conspiracy or criminal intent in the formulation of the excise policy.
The court discharged all 23 accused, including Kejriwal and Sisodia, effectively closing the CBI case related to the policy. The ruling marked a major legal and political relief for the AAP leadership, which had repeatedly claimed the case was politically motivated.
Why the Verdict Matters Politically
The excise policy case had become one of the biggest challenges for the AAP, affecting its leadership and electoral prospects. Kejriwal and Sisodia had both faced arrest, questioning, and prolonged scrutiny, with the case often cited by political rivals.
Friday’s verdict allows Kejriwal to claim moral and legal vindication. His emotional reaction underscored the personal toll the case had taken on him and his party.
What Happens Next for Kejriwal and AAP
With the court discharging all accused, the AAP leadership is expected to step up its political campaign, portraying the verdict as proof of innocence. Kejriwal’s breakdown before the media has already resonated strongly with supporters, who see it as a moment of emotional release after years of legal pressure.
As Delhi politics enters a new phase, the court’s ruling is likely to shape upcoming political narratives, with Kejriwal positioning the verdict as a victory of truth over allegations.
