The Delhi High Court issued a notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday regarding the bail plea filed by Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the excise policy case. This development comes after Kejriwal was arrested by the CBI on June 26 from Tihar Jail, where he remains in judicial custody related to a money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Kejriwal contested the legality of his arrest in his petition, stating that its absence of a proper justification was procedural. Representing Kejriwal was senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi who argued that the arrest was unjustified because Kejriwal had already been bailed out by ED in his demonstration. He said this while emphasizing that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader is not a flight risk. Singhvi also pointed out that Kejriwal’s arrest was not necessary given his long time in politics and public life.
The matter’s sitting judge, Justice Neena Bansal Krishna, accepted the notice and set the next hearing date on July 17. The fact that the court decided to evaluate Kejriwal’s direct appeal highlights the intricate legal factors at work. At first, the court accepted the CBI’s contention that Kejriwal ought to have gone to a municipal court first, but thereafter it decided to consider his direct appeal.
The CBI, represented by advocate DP Singh, objected to Kejriwal bypassing the trial court. The agency alleged that Kejriwal had not cooperated during interrogation and questioned his involvement in enhancing profit margins for liquor wholesalers under the new excise policy without adequate justification. They also raised concerns about financial transactions and meetings held during the second wave of COVID-19, suggesting these could impact the ongoing investigation.
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Kejriwal’s legal troubles began when he was arrested by the ED on March 21. Although he was granted bail by a trial court on June 20, the high court stayed this order, leading to his continued detention. The high court’s notice to the CBI and its willingness to consider Kejriwal’s direct appeal marks a significant juncture in this high-profile case.
In 2022, Delhi’s political landscape was shocked by an excise policy case which led to the nullification of the policy following allegations of anomalies and corruption. The CBI and ED have accused Kejriwal and other officials of modifying the policy to extend undue favours to license holders.
The legal and political worlds are keeping a close eye on the case’s developments. The result of the July 17 hearing might have a significant impact on both the future of the AAP and Kejriwal’s political career. Both friends and opponents of Kejriwal are anxiously awaiting the next developments in his legal struggle, while he remains in judicial prison.
