Kejriwal, Sisodia among 23 discharged in liquor policy case: How it's different from acquittal, why that matters

In a significant development, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, along with 21 others, have been discharged in the high-profile liquor policy case. The court's decision to discharge the accused came before the formal framing of charges, indicating that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against them. This means that the evidence presented was insufficient to warrant a trial. Legal experts emphasize that a discharge is not the same as an acquittal, as it does not imply innocence but rather a lack of compelling evidence to proceed with charges. The case, which has been a focal point of political controversy, involved allegations of corruption in implementing the now-revoked excise policy for liquor sales in Delhi. The discharge has raised questions about the future of the investigation and the implications for the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) leadership as they navigate through the political ramifications of these developments. It underscores the complexities of legal proceedings in high-stakes political cases, where the distinction between discharge and acquittal plays a crucial role in public perception and legal outcomes.