The Supreme Court on Monday denied bail to ex-Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in the liquor excise policy case, noting that a money trail of Rs 338 crore had been “tentatively established” and that the “rule of law applies equally to all citizens and institutions, including the State”.

In refusing Mr Sisodia bail, the court accepted the CBI’s argument against the Aam Aadmi Party leader – that there is a “carefully hatched conspiracy… (to) assure unjust enrichment” of a select few, and that the policy “facilitated getting bribes” from wholesale distributors “assured exorbitant profits”.

READ | “Money Trail Tentatively Established”: No Supreme Court Relief For Manish Sisodia

In a 41-page order the top court also noted the CBI’s claim that the now-withdrawn policy “favoured and promoted cartelisation”, pointing to the permit granted to Indo Spirit despite several such complaints.

Mr Sisodia can apply for bail again after three months, a two-judge bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and SVN Bhatti said. Earlier the court had said Manish Sisodia could not be kept in jail indefinitely.

What Did Supreme Court Say In Manish Sisodia Bail Plea?

The court noted the CBI’s claim that the previous policy had been modified to facilitate bribes from wholesale distributors by enhancing their commission from five per cent to 12 per cent.

This change, the court said, meant they earned seven per cent more commission for the 10 months the policy was in place. This figure, which “cannot be challenged”, is Rs 338 crore, the court added.

This means the policy – which deviated from expert opinions on Mr Sisodia’s orders, according to the CBI – was created to provide windfall gains to select distributors in return for kickbacks, the court added. Further, the court also accepted the claim income so earned was recycled partly and returned in the form of bribes, portions of which were allegedly used by the AAP for the Goa election.

READ | “Want To Clarify…”: Supreme Court On “Making AAP An Accused” Question

The CBI had alleged Mr Sisodia was “aware that three liquor manufacturers have 85 per cent share in Delhi market… as per the new exercise policy, each manufacturer could appoint only one wholesale distributor (but) wholesale distributors could enter into agreements with multiple manufacturers”.

The court accepted the claim that this “favoured and promoted cartelisation”, noting “large wholesale distributors with high market share… were ensured to earn exorbitant profits”.

READ | Manish Sisodia Can’t Be In Jail Forever: Supreme Court To Probe Agencies

The court also referred to the role of Vijay Nair – described as the “go-between” and “co-confidante” of Mr Sisodia – and that he had “assured” the “South Group” cartel they would be made (and they were made) distributors for Pernod Ricard, one of the biggest liquor manufacturers in the domestic market.

What Is Delhi Liquor Policy Case?

The case pertains to the now-scrapped 2021 policy, under which the ruling AAP withdrew from liquor sales and allowed private individuals to run stores.

The Delhi government reported a 27 per cent increase in income from the policy and generated Rs 8,900 crore in revenue. Trouble, however, erupted after reports Mr Sisodia had bent, if not violated, rules to award liquor licenses.

READ | NDTV Explainer: All You Need To Know About Delhi Liquor Policy Case

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena then ordered a CBI inquiry that then snowballed into an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate and the arrests of the senior AAP leader and others.

The agency has claimed the policy lost the Delhi government Rs 2,800 crore.

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Tennis great Pete Sampras has revealed that his wife Bridgette Wilson-Sampras has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. In a statement published through the ATP tour, Mr Sampras said this “has been an exceptionally challenging” year for the family. The 14-time Grand Slam champion asked for “good thoughts and prayers” from the tennis community as his wife battles the disease. Mr Sampras’s 50-year-old wife was diagnosed in December, the statement further said. Mr Sampras’ career began in 1988 and he retired in 2002.

In the statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), he said, “As most have come to know, I am a pretty quiet and private person. However, this past year has been an exceptionally challenging time for my family, and I have decided to share what’s been going on.”

A message from Pete ? pic.twitter.com/ZReXGOCUQs

— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 29, 2023

“Last December, my wife, Bridgette, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Since then, she has had major surgery, pushed through chemotherapy and continues with targeted maintenance therapy,” he continued.

The couple married in 2000 and has two children together – Christian, 20, and Ryan, 18.

“It is hard to watch someone you love go through a challenge like this. However, seeing our boys step up and be such strong supporters of Bridgette, myself and each other has been amazing,” Mr Sampras said, referring to his sons.

He also praised his wife for her strength and resilience amid the health issues she is facing.

“Watching Bridgette continue to be an incredible mom and wife through it all has been inspiring,” said Mr Sampras.

In the end, he requested support and prayers during the time of his wife’s recovery.

“I have also learned that it is very hard to reach for support when something is simply too hard to talk about. With that said, I am humbling asking for good thoughts and prayers for our family as Bridgette continues to thrive on her healing journey,” Mr Sampras said.

His post received a lot of traction online with fellow tennis player Andy Murray commenting, “All the best to your wife and your family, Pete.”

Pete Sampras is one of the greatest players in the modern era. He was ranked number 1 in 1993 and held the position for 286 weeks.

Mr Sampras won seven Wimbledon titles, five US Opens and two Australian Opens.

Nothing suits the festive season better than an ethereal saree. Tamannaah Bhatia seems well-versed in that. The actress; in her casual picks, gives the world a fashion moment to remember. But Tamannaah and a six-yard is a fiery combination made in fashion heaven. Recently, we got a little taste of it, when Tamannaah picked a black saree from the shelves of Neeta Lulla. The sheer drape was adorned with an overall sequin piping. She paired the saree with an equally embellished strap blouse. The plunging neckline and backless detailing added the oomph element to her look. She left her side-parted voluminous curls loosened. Tamannaah ditched the necklace by resting her faith in a pair of statement earrings. Who needs a glowy glam when your saree is shining bright like a diamond? A flawless matte base with nude glossy lips, blushed cheeks and wispy lashes were enough to make her red carpet ready.

(Also Read: Tamannaah Bhatia Exudes Festive Elegance In Lime-Green Lehenga Set)

Tamannaah Bhatia has a penchant for scene-stealing moments and we love every bit of it. The actress wore a monochrome saree from Vrinda Sachdev & Gurinder Singh’s clothing label Qbik. She paired the six yards with a heavily embellished strap blouse. The slinky tie-style necklace added a contemporary touch to her ethnic look. Neutral eye shadow looked gorgeous with a dewy base, blushed cheeks and nude pink glossy lips. She styled her hair with curled ends. Tamannaah sided with the minimal look by ditching earrings and bangles.

Yet again she created a timeless glam by draping herself in a saree by Neeta Lulla. The kanjeevaram is exclusively styled and structured with embroidery. The beautiful pastel and green six-yard came with delicate and sleek floral motifs. With gold traditional jewellery, she gave us a perfect festive fashion inspiration. Middle parted low bun wrapped with gajra was the final touch to her on-point ethnic look.

Tamannaah Bhatia’s red carpet looks are often defined by heavily embellished gowns.

(Also Read: Tamannaah Bhatia Goes Fiery Red In Falguni Shane Peacock Saree)