The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has increased its focus on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal following the Delhi High Court’s decision to stay a trial court’s order granting him bail in an alleged money laundering case. Kejriwal, who has been in Tihar Jail since his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21, was recently interrogated by the CBI. The agency is now set to approach a Delhi court to seek his custody, possibly leading to his arrest. Here are the key points:
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- Delhi High Court Intervention: The High Court stayed a trial court’s decision to grant bail to Kejriwal, citing procedural lapses and a rushed judgment.
- CBI’s Next Steps: The CBI plans to seek custody of Kejriwal from a Delhi court, potentially leading to his arrest.
- Interrogation in Tihar Jail: Kejriwal was interrogated by the CBI while in Tihar Jail.
- ED’s Role: The Enforcement Directorate had arrested Kejriwal on March 21 in connection with an alleged money laundering case.
- Vacation Bench’s Critique: A vacation bench led by Justice Sudhir Kumar Jain criticized the trial court for not fully examining the extensive material provided by both parties.
- Legal Provisions: The High Court emphasized the need for a thorough review of the case under Section 439(2) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), which allows higher courts to reconsider bail decisions.
- Political Accusations: AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh accused the BJP-led Centre of conspiring against Kejriwal to prevent his release on bail.
- Supreme Court Involvement: Kejriwal’s legal team approached the Supreme Court against the High Court’s decision, with a hearing scheduled for June 26.
- High Court’s Rationale: The High Court noted that the trial court failed to provide ED adequate opportunity to present its arguments against Kejriwal’s bail.
- Ongoing Investigations: The CBI is also investigating Kejriwal in connection with the Delhi excise policy case, indicating further legal challenges ahead for the Delhi CM.
