Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s legal battle over his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) continued as the Supreme Court reserved its decision on September 5, 2024. Kejriwal is seeking bail and contesting the legality of his arrest in connection with the excise policy case.
Kejriwal, who
was arrested by the CBI on June 26, had previously been granted bail in a related Enforcement Directorate (ED) case on July 12. Despite this, his release was blocked by the CBI’s arrest. The Supreme Court’s hearing follows the Delhi High Court’s confirmation of the arrest on August 5.
In August, the Supreme Court denied Kejriwal’s request for interim bail and postponed the hearing to allow the CBI to submit a counter affidavit. The CBI argued that Kejriwal’s arrest was justified due to his uncooperative behavior and distinctive role in the case, asserting that he should not be treated on par with his co-accused.
Kejriwal’s legal team, led by senior advocate A.M. Singhvi, countered that the CBI had delayed his arrest for two years after the ED first filed charges in August 2022. Singhvi emphasized that Kejriwal was detained while already in custody for the ED case.
Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju noted that Kejriwal had not faced the same procedural challenges as other co-accused, who had to navigate bail processes through various courts.
The Supreme Court’s ruling will address whether Kejriwal’s arrest was lawful and whether his bail petitions are valid.
