Supreme Court Debates Kejriwal's Bail Pleas Amid Excise Policy Scam

The Supreme Court is evaluating Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's pleas for bail and challenging his arrest in a corruption case linked to the alleged excise policy scam. The CBI argued that Kejriwal should have sought bail from a trial court first. Kejriwal contends there was no prior arrest notice and he's not a flight risk.

The Supreme Court is currently assessing Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's pleas concerning his bail and arrest in an alleged excise policy scam. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) insisted that Kejriwal should have first approached a trial court for bail before appealing to a higher court.

Presented before Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan by Additional Solicitor General S V Raju, the case also involved issues of money laundering, with the CBI arguing concurrent jurisdiction under Section 439 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Kejriwal's defense highlighted lapses in initial procedure, claiming no arrest notice was issued by the CBI.

Kejriwal, through senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, contended his non-flight risk status and his critical role as a constitutional functionary. While the ongoing hearing unfolds, the court's final decision will significantly impact Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party's immediate political landscape.

(With inputs from agencies.)