The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its verdict on Delhi chief minister and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal's plea challenging his...
The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its verdict on Delhi chief minister and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal's plea challenging his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and requesting bail in connection with the alleged liquor policy scam.A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan reserved the decision after hearing arguments from senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S V Raju, representing the CBI.Singhvi argued that the CBI, which had not arrested Kejriwal for two years, made a sudden "insurance arrest" to prevent his release in a related money laundering case. He also contended that Kejriwal was arrested for "non-cooperation and evasive replies" but cited Supreme Court rulings that held cooperation in a probe should not require self-incrimination or a confession of guilt.Earlier, on August 14, the Supreme Court declined to grant interim bail to Kejriwal but sought a response from the CBI regarding his plea contesting his arrest. The Delhi high court had previously ruled that Kejriwal's arrest was legal and remarked that the CBI had sufficiently demonstrated how Kejriwal, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief, could influence potential witnesses."There was no malice in the acts done by the CBI which was able to demonstrate how the AAP supremo could influence witnesses who could muster the courage to depose only after his arrest," said the Delhi High Court.The high court also instructed Kejriwal to seek regular bail from the trial court in the CBI case. Additionally, the court observed that the evidence loop involving Kejriwal was closed after the collection of necessary evidence following his arrest and that the arrest was justified and legal."It cannot be said that it was without any justifiable reason or illegal," said the high court. The court acknowledged Kejriwal's status, noting he is not an ordinary citizen but "a distinguished recipient of the Magsaysay Award and the convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party."The high court dismissed Kejriwal's plea contesting his arrest. It was only after the collection of sufficient evidence and obtaining sanction in April 2024 that the agency progressed with the investigation against him. The court noted that witnesses were initially reluctant to come forward due to Kejriwal's influence stemming from his position. However, following his arrest, they were willing to record their statements.The court remarked, "Material witnesses were not coming forward due to the influence exercised by Kejriwal by virtue of his position. It was only after he got arrested that the witnesses came forward to record their statements."Kejriwal, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21, had previously been granted bail by the trial court in the money laundering case on June 20. However, this bail order was stayed by the Delhi high court. Later, on July 12, the Supreme Court granted him interim bail in the money laundering case.The controversial excise policy was scrapped in 2022 after the Delhi lieutenant governor ordered a CBI probe into alleged irregularities and corruption related to its formulation and execution. According to the CBI and the ED, modifications to the excise policy involved irregularities and undue favors extended to license holders.