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Kejriwal Challenges CBI Arrest in SC
Kejriwal Appeals to Supreme Court Over CBI Arrest in Liquor Policy Case
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has taken his legal battle to the Supreme Court, challenging his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the alleged liquor policy scam. The special leave petition filed by Kejriwal seeks to overturn the August 5 decision of the Delhi High Court, which dismissed his plea against the CBI’s arrest and subsequent remand.
The case has garnered significant attention, with Kejriwal’s legal team, led by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, moving swiftly to address the situation. On Monday, Singhvi brought the matter before Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud, requesting an urgent hearing. In response, CJI Chandrachud advised the senior counsel to formally communicate with the court’s registry via email. “Send an email, I will examine it,” the CJI stated, indicating that the matter would be considered with due urgency.
The Delhi High Court’s decision, which is now being challenged, was delivered by a bench headed by Justice Neena Bansal Krishna. The bench ruled that Kejriwal’s arrest by the CBI was conducted with justifiable reasons and was not illegal. This ruling has been a significant setback for the Delhi Chief Minister, who has been embroiled in a series of legal challenges related to the corruption allegations.
The Delhi High Court has yet to issue its ruling on a separate bail plea filed by Kejriwal in connection with the CBI case. On July 29, the court reserved its verdict after hearing arguments from both sides. Meanwhile, the CBI has already filed its charge sheet against Kejriwal and other accused individuals before a special court in Delhi, intensifying the legal proceedings.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also been active in the case, having already filed a prosecution complaint under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED’s complaint names both the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its national convenor, Arvind Kejriwal, as accused. These developments have added layers of complexity to the ongoing investigation, as both the CBI and ED pursue their respective cases against the Delhi Chief Minister.
On July 12, the Supreme Court granted Kejriwal interim bail in connection with the money laundering case lodged by the ED. However, his release was short-lived, as he remained in judicial custody following his arrest by the CBI. The overlapping legal cases have kept Kejriwal entangled in the judiciary, preventing him from securing his freedom despite the interim bail order.
Meanwhile, a Delhi court has extended Kejriwal’s judicial custody until August 20 in the excise policy case. This extension adds to the Chief Minister’s legal woes, as he continues to face mounting pressure from multiple investigations. The excise policy case, which centers on allegations of corruption and irregularities in the formulation and implementation of Delhi’s liquor policy, has been a focal point of the CBI’s inquiry.
The case has far-reaching implications, not only for Kejriwal and his political future but also for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as a whole. As the legal battles intensify, Kejriwal’s ability to navigate these challenges will be closely watched by both his supporters and critics.
Kejriwal’s move to approach the Supreme Court underscores the gravity of the situation and his determination to contest the charges against him. The outcome of this legal battle will have significant repercussions, potentially shaping the political landscape in Delhi and beyond.
As the case progresses, all eyes will be on the Supreme Court’s response to Kejriwal’s petition. The court’s decision could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, particularly those involving high-profile political figures.
