WHAT WENT AGAINST HIM

As Sisodia was ‘unable to explain how and why changes were made in the policy, and gave evasive responses’, he was arrested on February 26, 2023

HIS DEFENCE

Has said that the policy was implemented following due processes

No phone calls, messages or meetings (between liquor manufacturers and officials) can be connected to Sisodia

Earlier, Sisodia had alleged that Anil Baijal, the L-G at the time of framing the new policy, changed his stance over opening of liquor vends in unauthorised areas just two days before the implementation of the policy to offer undue favour to certain retailers

He claimed on August 6, 2022, that he had written a letter to the CBI demanding a probe against Baijal

WHAT THE FORMER L-G DID

Before giving his approval to the new excise policy, the then L-G Baijal had made several observations on it and advised the government to effect certain changes

These included eligibility criteria for different kinds of licences to rule out the possibility of monopoly

On November 5, 2021, Delhi Cabinet approved a proposal allowing retail shops to open in areas where sale of liquor is not permitted, saying DDA/MCD could identify suitable locations for it

Baijal objected to this proposal on November 15, just two days before the rolling out of the policy

On December 10, 2021, a committee set up by Baijal submitted its report declining permission to liquor vends in 67 non-confirming wards

“As a result of this change of stand by the L-G, the shops could not be opened in unauthorised areas, leading to a loss of revenue of thousands of crores to the government. On the other hand, the shops that opened witnessed a huge income,” said Sisodia