Justice should not only be done but seem to be done too: Kerala CM writes to PM Modi over Sisodia's arrest

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi voicing the objection of the opposition parties including state Chief Ministers, over the arrest of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.

While the CM refrained from commenting on the merits of the case, he expressed scepticism over the action of the central investigation agencies. ‘It is the golden principle of natural justice that justice should not only be done, but seem to be done too’, he wrote in the letter dated 6/3/23.

Vijayan said that Sisodia has been appearing before the probe agencies in response to their summons and his arrest could have been avoided unless it was ‘imperative for preventing the impediment to the investigation’.

‘As per the information coming out in public domain, nothing incriminating like case seizure took place in the case of Shri. Sisodia’, his letter said.

While law has to take its course, it was equally important to eliminate the widespread perception that Sisodia was being targeted for political reasons, he wrote. As we emphasise on the principle of cooperative federalism, excessive actions on the part of anyone concerned should be avoided’, he further stated.

The Chief Minister also expressed hope that the Prime Minister’s guidance would go a long way in changing the present perception.

A Delhi court on Monday sent Sisodia to judicial custody till March 20 in the alleged liquor policy scam being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Sisodia, who held the Delhi government's excise and education portfolios, among others, resigned from the cabinet and as deputy Chief Minister after the Supreme Court refused to entertain his plea.