The Supreme Court commenced hearing Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s bail plea against the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the high-profile excise policy case on September 5, 2024. Kejriwal is challenging the Delhi High Court’s decision to extend his judicial custody until September 11. The case has seen multiple twists, including arguments about the fairness of the arrest timing and the legal basis for Kejriwal’s continued detention.
BulletsIn
- Supreme Court Hearing: The Supreme Court began deliberations on Kejriwal’s bail plea, focusing on arguments against his arrest by the CBI.
- High Court Decision: The Delhi High Court had previously extended Kejriwal’s judicial custody until September 11, 2024.
- Singhvi’s Argument: Kejriwal’s lawyer, A.M. Singhvi, criticized the arrest timing as unusual and highlighted that nearly all co-accused have been released except for a few.
- Insurance Arrest Claim: Singhvi argued that the arrest on June 26, 2024, was an “insurance arrest” since no arrests were made in the prior two years despite ongoing investigations.
- Supreme Court Releases: Singhvi noted that Kejriwal was deemed fit for release by the Supreme Court on two occasions previously.
- CBI’s Stance: The CBI argued that the funds from the alleged scam were directed according to Kejriwal’s directives, including promises of ₹90 lakh to each Goa election candidate.
- Singhvi’s Criticism: Singhvi claimed that the CBI’s actions appeared to be a tactic to delay proceedings rather than addressing valid legal concerns.
- Kejriwal’s Accessibility: Singhvi highlighted that Kejriwal, being a high-profile public official, is the most accessible person for interrogation.
- Previous Orders: The Supreme Court had granted Kejriwal interim bail in May to campaign for elections and required him to surrender to Tihar Jail in June.
- High Court Denies Meeting Request: The Delhi High Court upheld the Tihar Jail superintendent’s decision to deny a request for AAP leader Sandeep Pathak to meet Kejriwal.
