The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has opposed the bail plea of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, asserting that his involvement in the liquor policy case is not comparable to that of his co-accused who have been granted relief. In a statement submitted ahead of the Supreme Court’s hearing on the matter, the CBI argued that Kejriwal’s case should not be treated on par with others who have been granted bail.
The central agency also stated that any medical treatment required by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader can be provided while he remains in custody. This assertion comes as part of the CBI’s response to the bail plea, which has been accessed by India Today.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan had previously denied interim bail to Kejriwal on August 14, postponing the hearing until September 5 to allow the CBI to file its counter affidavit. The agency reiterated in its filing that there had been no violation of legal procedures in arresting the Delhi Chief Minister and accused him of attempting to politicize the case.
Kejriwal was first arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21, 2024, in connection with a money laundering case and subsequently by the CBI on June 26, 2024, for alleged corruption related to the liquor policy. While the Supreme Court granted him bail in the ED case, he remains in custody on charges brought by the CBI.
The CBI’s recent submission highlighted that Kejriwal’s role in the case differs from that of other key figures, such as former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, BRS leader K Kavitha, and former AAP communications head Vijay Nair, all of whom have been granted bail by the Supreme Court.
Addressing Kejriwal’s plea for medical bail, the CBI emphasized that treatment can be administered at Tihar Jail Hospital or other referral hospitals, in accordance with jail regulations. The agency argued that Kejriwal has not demonstrated sufficient grounds to warrant medical bail, which is generally reserved for cases where adequate treatment cannot be provided within the prison system.
The Supreme Court has granted bail to other co-accused in the case, including Vijay Nair, who was released on September 2, 2024, and K Kavitha, who secured bail on August 27, 2024. Manish Sisodia was granted bail earlier on August 9, 2024. However, Kejriwal remains the only senior political figure currently in custody.
The CBI has maintained that the bail granted to Kejriwal’s co-accused should have no bearing on his own plea, as his role in the alleged scam is distinct. The Supreme Court is expected to continue hearing the matter on September 5.
