In a recent development, the Delhi High Court has issued a notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s petition challenging his arrest in the Delhi excise policy case. The court directed the CBI to file its response within seven days and scheduled the next hearing for July 17, showing a swift response to the matter. Kejriwal, the national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), had approached the high court asserting that his arrest was ‘illegal,’ citing contraventions of established guidelines.
Kejriwal’s plea not only challenges his arrest but also seeks to set aside the Delhi court’s previous orders. The legal battle revolves around the alleged demand for a kickback worth ₹100 crore, its acceptance on behalf of AAP through a close associate, and the utilization of the funds for the party’s election campaigns. The arrest, based on the interrogation report, raised questions regarding the necessity and legality of the detainment.
During the court proceedings, Kejriwal’s counsel, represented by senior advocate AM Singhvi, emphasized that there was no justifiable basis for the arrest, especially considering the previous interactions with the investigative authorities. Singhvi argued that Kejriwal’s cooperation and history of interactions should have precluded the need for such drastic arrests, pointing out procedural discrepancies.
The CBI, in contrast, alleged that Kejriwal’s behavior during interrogation was evasive and non-cooperative, prompting the arrest due to concerns of tampering with evidence. The political influence of Kejriwal, as a prominent figure, added another layer of complexity to the case, indicating potential risks associated with his continued liberty.
The legal battle between Kejriwal and the CBI underscores the delicate balance between accountability and procedural integrity in high-profile cases. The upcoming hearing on July 17 is expected to shed further light on the intricacies of the case and the legal arguments put forth by both parties.
