New Delhi, July 5, 2024 – Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has approached the Delhi High Court seeking bail in the ongoing Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case related to the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy. This follows a series of legal battles and dramatic developments surrounding his arrest.
Key Developments
On Wednesday, a bench consisting of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela agreed to list Kejriwal’s petition for Friday, despite his counsel’s request for an earlier hearing. The counsel argued that Kejriwal’s custody was illegal, claiming violations of Section 41 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
Kejriwal, who is also the national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), filed the fresh plea a day after the high court sought CBI’s response to his petition challenging his arrest and remand. Justice Neena Bansal Krishna directed the probe agency to file its response within seven days and scheduled the matter for July 17.
Allegations and Legal Arguments
The plea by Kejriwal asserts that his arrest by the CBI is an attempt to prevent his release from custody in the money laundering case registered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The Delhi court had granted Kejriwal bail in the ED case on June 20 due to a lack of direct evidence, but the Delhi High Court stayed this bail order on June 21, citing the need for a thorough review.
Kejriwal’s petition highlights the alleged malafide intentions behind his arrest, pointing out that no notices under Section 160 or Section 41A of the CrPC were issued to him, exposing what he claims is a biased investigation. The petition underscores that the CBI has been continuously harassing the Chief Minister under the guise of an ongoing investigation, despite having gathered all necessary material.
Political Implications
The case has significant political ramifications, with Kejriwal’s legal team arguing that the CBI’s actions are politically motivated. The petition emphasizes that the timing and manner of Kejriwal’s arrest, almost two years after the FIR was registered, suggest an attempt to target him for extraneous reasons.
CBI’s Stand
In its remand note, the CBI alleges that Kejriwal is a key conspirator in a criminal conspiracy involving undue gratification from liquor manufacturers and traders. The agency claims that Kejriwal assured support to YSRCP MP Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy in the Delhi liquor business in exchange for monetary funding for AAP. The CBI cites corroborative documentary evidence to support its claims.
Next Steps
As the legal proceedings continue, all eyes are on the Delhi High Court’s upcoming decisions. The outcome of Kejriwal’s bail plea and the ongoing investigation will significantly impact both his political career and the broader political landscape.
Stay tuned to Sarhind Times for further updates on this developing story.
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