Court Extends Kejriwal's Custody in Excise Policy Case Amidst Legal Battles

Delhi Court extends Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's judicial custody until August 27, 2024, amidst ongoing investigations by the CBI and ED in the excise policy case. The Supreme Court is also involved, scrutinizing bail pleas and the legitimacy of Kejriwal's arrest.

The Delhi Rouse Avenue Court has prolonged the judicial custody of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a CBI case until August 27, 2024. Special Judge Kaveri Baweja confirmed that the court will also review the ED's supplementary chargesheet against Kejriwal and others on the same date.

Senior Advocate DP Singh represented the CBI in court. The Supreme Court recently issued a notice to the CBI in response to Kejriwal's bail pleas and his challenge to the Delhi High Court's decision upholding his CBI arrest over allegations in the excise policy scam.

A bench composed of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan requested a response from the CBI by August 23 and denied interim bail. Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, arguing for Kejriwal, cited health concerns but was denied interim relief by the bench. Singhvi highlighted that Kejriwal had been previously granted interim bail under the PMLA, questioning why regular bail was denied under the Prevention of Corruption Act, which has less stringent conditions.

The Supreme Court was examining Kejriwal's arrest and his bail plea. Earlier, on August 5, the Delhi High Court had validated Kejriwal's arrest, stating that the CBI had gathered sufficient evidence before proceeding. The court stressed that Kejriwal's influential position could potentially intimidate witnesses, making his detention necessary for the investigation.

Kejriwal, a Magsaysay Award recipient and AAP convenor, was apprehended by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21, 2024, for alleged money laundering linked to the scrapped Delhi excise policy 2021-22. Subsequently, the CBI arrested him on June 26, 2024, while he was still in ED custody.

(With inputs from agencies.)