Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal continues to face legal challenges as the Rouse Avenue Court extended his judicial custody in connection with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) excise policy case. His custody has been extended until August 27, 2024.
This court decision follows the Supreme Court's recent action, where it issued a notice to the CBI in response to Kejriwal's pleas for bail and his appeal against the Delhi High Court's ruling, which upheld his arrest by the CBI in the corruption case related to the alleged excise policy scam. The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan, has sought a response from the CBI by August 23 but declined to grant Kejriwal interim bail.
Supreme Court's Response: No Interim Bail Yet During the Supreme Court hearing, Kejriwal's lawyer, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, argued for interim bail, citing health concerns. However, the bench refused the request, simply stating, "We are not granting any interim bail. We issue notice."
Singhvi compared Kejriwal's current case to his previous bail approvals in a money laundering case under the stringent Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Singhvi questioned why Kejriwal was being denied bail in the CBI case when the Prevention of Corruption Act lacks the same strict conditions as the PMLA. He labeled Kejriwal's arrest by the CBI as an "insurance arrest."
High Court Upholds Arrest Earlier, on August 5, the Delhi High Court had upheld the legality of Kejriwal's arrest, dismissing his plea challenging the CBI's actions. The court ruled that Kejriwal's arrest followed the collection of sufficient evidence and legal sanction obtained in April 2024, allowing the CBI to proceed with their investigation.
The High Court further stated that Kejriwal's influence on potential witnesses was apparent, noting that several witnesses only felt safe enough to testify after his arrest. The court recognized Kejriwal's prominent status as a Magsaysay Award winner and the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Arrest Timeline Kejriwal was first arrested on March 21, 2024, by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering probe tied to alleged irregularities in Delhi's 2021-22 excise policy, which has since been cancelled. On June 26, 2024, while still in the ED's custody, he was re-arrested by the CBI for further investigation into the case.
Kejriwal Govt to Launch Cashless Medical Facility for 20,000+ Retired Delhi Vidyut Board Employees
Manish Sisodia Takes Charge of AAP Campaign Amid Arvind Kejriwal's Imprisonment