Justice Bhuyan’s Sharp Critique: CBI Must Shed 'Caged Parrot' Image

Supreme Court Judge, Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, called for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to dispel its 'caged parrot' image while granting bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Justice Bhuyan questioned Kejriwal's arrest timing, emphasizing the need for fair investigations in a democratic society.

Supreme Court Judge, Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, on Friday, delivered a strong critique of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) concerning the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case. He stressed the importance of the central probe agency dispelling the notion of being a 'caged parrot.'

'It is imperative that the CBI dispels the notion of being a caged parrot. Rather, the perception should be of an uncaged parrot,' remarked Justice Bhuyan in a separate but concurring opinion while granting bail to Kejriwal. The bench, also comprising Justice Surya Kant, underscored the need for the CBI to avoid any semblance of bias in its investigations.

Justice Bhuyan questioned the urgency and necessity of Kejriwal's arrest, pointing out that further detention was 'wholly untenable,' especially after bail was granted on more stringent money laundering charges. He emphasized that in a democracy governed by the rule of law, perception matters, and investigative processes must be seen as fair and impartial.

(With inputs from agencies.)