Delhi High Court Reserves Judgment on Arvind Kejriwal’s Plea Against Arrest in Excise Policy Case

Key Words: Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi High Court, Central Bureau of Investigation, Excise Policy Case, Interim Bail

On Wednesday, the High Court of Delhi reserved its judgment on the plea filed by jailed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, challenging his arrest and remand by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the excise policy case. The high court also reserved its order on Kejriwal’s plea seeking interim bail.

Special public prosecutor DP Singh, representing the CBI, argued that Kejriwal could not use the apex court’s interim relief granted to him for 21 days for his advantage, as it was solely for the purpose of the Lok Sabha elections.

The CBI counsel contended that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor could not rely on the trial court’s June 20 order granting him bail in the money laundering case. He added that the Delhi high court had stayed this order with a 30-page “reasoned” judgment.

Singh further argued that the probe agency had the liberty to arrest an individual even on “mere suspicion” and that the CBI had “probable reasons” for arresting Kejriwal. He emphasized that the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) permits arrest for the purpose of investigation and that Kejriwal’s custodial interrogation had become necessary.

The CBI claimed to have “sufficient material” to prove that Kejriwal had the capability to influence and derail the investigation. Singh added that the CBI was in the final stage of completing the probe and had a “reasonable apprehension” that the Chief Minister could influence witnesses if released.

The CBI counsel suggested that Kejriwal should first approach the trial court seeking bail, stating, “The bench should have the advantage of the reasons by the trial court. That court is already on arguments on the charge and the trial court should hear the bail first.”

In response, Kejriwal’s counsel, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, accused the CBI of using a ‘delaying tactic’ and argued that the agency had not provided any valid reason why the court should not hear Kejriwal’s bail plea. Singhvi pointed out that the latest evidence the CBI had against the AAP leader was from January 2024, and no new evidence had been collected since.

Singhvi criticized the CBI for presenting a new document dated June 13, 2024, which had not been used previously in the case. He argued, “Based on the entire material, there is NOTHING NEW to justify Kejriwal’s arrest.”

The hearing remains ongoing as the Delhi High Court deliberates on the arguments presented by both sides. For ongoing updates and detailed coverage of judicial appointments and other legal developments, visit Kanishk Social Media. If you found this article informative, please share it with others interested in judicial affairs.