Supreme Court Denies Interim Bail to Arvind Kejriwal in Excise Policy Case
Court Requests CBI Response on Kejriwal’s Arrest Challenge
On August 14, the Supreme Court denied interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a corruption case related to the alleged excise policy scam. The Court has requested a response from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding Kejriwal’s plea challenging his arrest. The bench, consisting of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan, will revisit the matter on August 23.
Kejriwal’s Legal Team Cites Previous Bail Orders
During the hearing, senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, argued that the Chief Minister had previously obtained interim bail in a related money laundering case despite the stringent conditions imposed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Singhvi highlighted interim bail orders from May 10 and July 12, as well as a regular bail granted on June 20, which was later stayed by the Delhi High Court.
Singhvi contended that if Kejriwal could secure bail under the PMLA’s strict provisions, he should also be eligible for bail in the CBI case, which falls under the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA), known for less rigorous conditions. He described Kejriwal’s arrest as a form of “insurance arrest” and cited concerns about the Chief Minister’s health.
Supreme Court Denies Interim Relief, Sets New Hearing Date
The Supreme Court refused to grant interim bail and instead scheduled a hearing for August 23. The bench acknowledged Singhvi’s request for a prompt hearing but decided against granting interim relief at this stage.
Delhi High Court Upholds Arrest and Criticizes Kejriwal’s Influence
The Delhi High Court had previously upheld Kejriwal’s arrest on August 5, finding it legally justified. The High Court noted that Kejriwal’s influence over witnesses was a factor in the timing of the arrest and that evidence against him was solidified post-arrest. The High Court dismissed Kejriwal’s challenge to his arrest, citing the collection of sufficient evidence and the necessity of his arrest to compel witness testimony.
Background on the Excise Policy Case
The excise policy in question was scrapped in 2022 following allegations of irregularities and corruption in its formulation and execution. The CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) allege that the policy was manipulated to favor certain license holders. Kejriwal’s arrest by the ED on March 21 was followed by a bail order from the trial court on June 20, which was stayed by the Delhi High Court.
(With inputs from agency)
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