In a crucial legal development, the Delhi High Court on Wednesday decided to reserve its judgment on the plea filed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is presently in custody. Kejriwal is contesting his arrest and subsequent remand linked to the excise policy case, spearheaded by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Concurrently, the court has also deferred its decision regarding Kejriwal’s request for interim bail.
During the hearing, the CBI, represented by Special Public Prosecutor DP Singh, articulated that Kejriwal should not be allowed to exploit the interim bail previously granted for the Lok Sabha elections, emphasizing that the apex court’s decision was specifically for that period. Singh underscored that Kejriwalโs bail granted on June 20 in a separate money laundering case does not apply here as it has been effectively stayed by the Delhi high court through a detailed 30-page order.
The CBI’s stance strongly supports the legality of Kejriwal’s arrest on grounds of “probable reasons” and mere suspicion, which Singh noted is within the bounds of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). โThe necessity for custodial interrogation was imperative to further the investigation,” Singh added, pointing out that the CBI possesses sufficient evidence suggesting Kejriwal’s potential to influence the ongoing investigation and tamper with witnesses.
Singh further advised that Kejriwal should seek bail from the trial court first, allowing the lower court to present its reasoning which could then be evaluated by the High Court.
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Countering the CBIโs position, Kejriwalโs counsel, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, labeled the agency’s argument as a ‘delaying tactic’, criticizing the lack of substantial new evidence against the AAP leader since January 2024. Singhvi challenged the presentation of a new document dated June 13 by the CBI, questioning its relevance and the timing of its introduction in the case.
