Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been remanded to three days of custody by the CBI in connection with the alleged excise policy case. Get the latest updates on the legal proceedings and implications of this high-profile case.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been remanded to three days of custody by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the alleged excise policy scam. The development came after the probe agency sought custody to further interrogate Kejriwal, following initial questioning conducted inside Tihar Jail on Tuesday evening.
The arrest, ordered by Special Judge Amitabh Rawat at Rouse Avenue, formalizes the CBI’s action in the ongoing investigation into the excise policy case. Initially, the CBI had sought a five-day custody of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader.
Kejriwal was brought before the court from Tihar Central Jail on Wednesday, where Special Public Prosecutor DP Singh, representing the CBI, emphasized the agency’s prerogative in conducting the investigation. Singh stated, “Conducting the probe is the prerogative of the agency, and the law does not mandate that the accused should be informed,” as reported by Bar and Bench.
The CBI accused Kejriwal of leveling “unnecessary allegations of malice” and emphasized their procedural diligence. Singh clarified, “We could have conducted these proceedings before the elections. I (CBI) am doing my job, satisfying every court.”
Regarding the arrest process, Singh added, “Let’s start the process. I may be allowed to take him and then I will finalize the arrest right now. They do not have the right to advance notice.”
Kejriwal Withdraws Bail Plea from Supreme Court
Following his arrest by the CBI, Arvind Kejriwal withdrew his plea challenging the Delhi High Court’s interim stay on the trial court’s bail order from the Supreme Court. Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, informed the court that new developments, including the arrest, necessitated filing a substantial appeal.
“We would like to file a substantial appeal to bring on record all relevant details and challenge the June 25 order of the high court in which bail order was finally stayed,” Singhvi said.
Kejriwal, who had been in judicial custody since his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in March 21, was briefly granted interim bail by the Supreme Court on May 10 to campaign for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. However, his interim bail expired on June 1, after which he returned to Tihar Jail on June 2.
Background on the Excise Policy Case
The excise policy case under scrutiny was annulled in 2022 following a directive from the Delhi Lieutenant Governor, prompting a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities and corruption surrounding its formulation and execution. Both the ED and CBI have alleged that modifications to the policy involved irregularities and undue favors to license holders.
The unfolding legal developments surrounding Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest and subsequent judicial proceedings underscore the complexity and significance of the case, which continues to attract considerable attention and scrutiny.
As the legal proceedings progress, the implications of this case on political dynamics and governance in Delhi remain pivotal, shaping public discourse and perceptions.
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