Arvind Kejriwal Shocking Arrest by CBI, Bail Plea Withdrawn in Supreme Court

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In Short

Arvind Kejriwal Sent to 14-Day Judicial Custody in Delhi Liquor Policy Case till 12th July: CBI Plea Granted, 29 June 2024

26 June, 2024: Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi Excise Policy Case CBI Secures 3-Day Custody

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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) sought court permission to interrogate Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and subsequently arrested him in the excise policy case. Kejriwal’s arrest followed the Rouse Avenue Court’s approval for the CBI to question him in the courtroom and present evidence for his arrest.

Sources indicate that the CBI alleges Kejriwal, as part of the Cabinet, approved changes in the excise policy allegedly influenced by illegal gratifications. These changes reportedly included increasing wholesalers’ profit margins from 5% to 12%, with kickbacks involved in the policy, which has since been scrapped.

Advocate DP Singh, representing the CBI, emphasized the agency’s authority to seek formal custody of Arvind Kejriwal for interrogation and arrest, stating, “Investigation is within our prerogative as he is already in custody.”

Kejriwal’s arrest occurred shortly after the Delhi High Court intervened, halting a lower court’s decision to grant him bail in a money laundering case. The High Court’s decision highlighted the trial court’s failure to appropriately assess the evidence presented by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Judge Niyay Bindu had granted Arvind Kejriwal bail on June 20, ordering his release on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh. However, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) swiftly challenged this decision in the high court, arguing that the trial court’s ruling was biased and issued without granting them a fair chance to present their case.

The 34-page order

In a detailed 34-page order, Justice Jain emphasized that every court has a duty to provide ample opportunity for both sides to argue their positions. He noted that the trial court failed to adequately consider the ED’s arguments, including those outlined in their written submissions. Justice Jain also pointed out that the trial court did not address the “twin condition” requirement under section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) when granting bail.

(Inputs from PTI)

Arvind Kejriwal in CBI Custody for 3 Days in Delhi Excise Policy Case

Arvind Kejriwal has been remanded to CBI custody for three days following his arrest in connection with an alleged liquor policy case. The CBI had sought a five-day custody.

Kejriwal’s arrest took place inside Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court. Shortly after, he withdrew a Supreme Court petition challenging the stay on his bail, which was granted after his earlier arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in March in the same case.

The withdrawal of the Supreme Court petition, with no objection from the ED, was aimed at preparing a stronger appeal against the High Court’s decision to stay the bail granted by the Rouse Avenue Court.

Kejriwal To The Court

In this morning’s session at Rouse Avenue Court, Mr. Kejriwal’s lawyers contended that the CBI’s decision to arrest the AAP leader now indicated clear bias. They highlighted that Mr. Kejriwal had previously been questioned by the agency for nine hours in April last year, primarily as a witness in the case.

Today, Mr. Kejriwal personally addressed the court, recalling his statements during the CBI’s earlier interrogation. He explained his rationale behind the framing of the disputed liquor policy.

“I explained to them (the CBI) three main points. Firstly, it was about increasing revenue. Secondly, it was to manage law and order by reducing crowds. Thirdly, it involved ensuring the balanced distribution of liquor shops across the city. I had instructed Manish Sisodia (my former deputy, who was arrested in February last year in this case) to consider these aspects while formulating the policy.”

Mr. Kejriwal’s legal team strongly criticized the CBI’s decision to arrest him at this juncture. “This case has been ongoing since August 2022. Initially, I was called as a witness and cooperated for nine hours. Since then, there has been no communication from the CBI. How did they transition from treating me as a witness to accusing me? This is a significant shift,” they argued, emphasizing the disparity between an ordinary citizen and the power of the state.

Mr. Kejriwal also requested a 24-hour postponement of the hearing to thoroughly review the CBI’s case.

CBI Denies Allegations

The CBI refuted allegations, stating they could have acted earlier, including during the election period, but chose to proceed only after obtaining court permission. The agency emphasized it is not obliged to inform individuals such as Mr. Kejriwal about investigations; its responsibility is to notify the court when seeking custody.