The Supreme Court granted permanent bail to businessman Abhishek Boinpally, implicated in the Delhi excise policy scam linked to money laundering. The case, involving notable political figures, stems from alleged corruption in liquor licensing. Boinpally’s role included facilitating bribe conversions, and he has been in legal battles since 2022.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday granted bail to Hyderabad-based businessman Abhishek Boinpally in connection with the money-laundering case linked to the Delhi excise policy scam [Abhishek Boinpally vs Directorate of Enforcement]. The scam has attracted attention due to its high-profile accused and political ramifications.
A Bench comprising Justices MM Sundresh and Aravind Kumar had earlier granted Boinpally interim bail. However, today, the Court made this interim relief permanent after hearing the counsel from the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
“I have nothing to say. I am in my Lords’ hands,” submitted Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, representing the ED. In response, the Bench observed,
“All co-accused have been granted bail. We are inclined to grant him bail.”
The Delhi Excise Policy Scam
The excise policy case, which is being probed by both the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the ED, involves allegations that officials from the Delhi government colluded to issue liquor licenses to certain traders in exchange for bribes. Several prominent figures, including former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Bharatiya Rashtra Samiti (BRS) leader K Kavita, and Aam Aadmi Party’s media in-charge Vijay Nair, are also implicated in the case. All of these individuals are currently out on bail.
Boinpally’s Alleged Role in the Conspiracy
Boinpally, a businessman from Hyderabad, is accused of lobbying on behalf of liquor businessmen based in southern India. It is alleged that he played a role in a conspiracy that involved transferring money through hawala channels to co-accused individuals. Further, Boinpally is accused of facilitating the conversion of bribe money into legitimate funds.
While Boinpally was granted bail by a trial court in the CBI case in 2022, he remained behind bars due to his implication in the ED’s money-laundering investigation. He moved the Supreme Court for relief after the Delhi High Court denied him bail in June 2023.
Supreme Court Proceedings
In August 2023, the Supreme Court sought a response from the ED regarding Boinpally’s bail plea. On March 20, 2023, the Supreme Court had initially granted interim bail for a month to Boinpally in the money-laundering case. This interim bail was repeatedly extended before the Court made it absolute today.
Boinpally was represented by a team led by Senior Advocate Vikram Chaudhary, along with advocates Sumer Singh Boparai, Sidharth Saraswat, Ruby Singh Ahuja, Ishan Gaur, Aakriti Vohra, and Jappanpreet Hora, all from Karanjawala & Co.
Political Fallout and Broader Implications
The Delhi excise policy scam has shaken the political landscape, with many high-profile politicians under scrutiny. The CBI and ED investigations have been closely watched due to the potential for wider political fallout. The Supreme Court’s decision to grant bail to Boinpally adds another chapter to this complex legal battle.
As investigations continue, the focus will remain on how the remaining accused and the ongoing probes unfold in the months to come.
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