Delhi High Court Issues Notice to CBI on Arvind Kejriwal’s Bail Plea in Liquor Policy Case

The Delhi High Court on Friday issued a notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), seeking its response to a bail plea filed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. This development comes in connection with the ongoing investigation into the Delhi excise policy case.

Kejriwal was arrested by the CBI on June 26 and is currently lodged in Tihar Jail. His judicial custody was extended by a trial court until July 12 in relation to the money laundering case associated with the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy.

Key Developments:

1. Objections by the CBI: The CBI raised objections to Kejriwal directly approaching the High Court for bail without first seeking relief from the trial court. The agency emphasized the procedural impropriety of bypassing the lower court.

2. Allegations of Illegal Custody: In his bail application, Kejriwal claimed he was taken into custody illegally by the CBI, without adherence to due legal procedures. He alleged continuous harassment by the CBI under the pretext of the ongoing investigation.

3. Prior Arrest and Bail: Kejriwal was previously arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21 and granted bail by the Rouse Avenue Court on June 20. However, the High Court paused this order, and following his arrest by the CBI on June 26, Kejriwal withdrew his petition filed in the Supreme Court challenging the High Court’s decision.

4. Non-cooperation Allegations: In a remand application, the CBI stated that Kejriwal did not cooperate during custodial interrogation and evaded questions regarding the transfer and utilization of illicit funds, amounting to Rs 44.54 crore, purportedly used for the Goa assembly elections by his party during 2021-22.

5. Influence and Evidence Tampering Concerns: The CBI also argued that Kejriwal, being a prominent politician and an influential figure, could potentially influence witnesses or tamper with evidence in the case.

Judicial Inquiry and Next Steps:

The High Court has now sought the CBI’s response to Kejriwal’s bail plea. The matter will continue to unfold as the legal proceedings progress, with the next significant date being July 12, when Kejriwal’s judicial custody is set to be reviewed.

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