Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s judicial custody was extended until September 3, 2024, in connection with the ongoing excise policy case. The extension was ordered by a Delhi court on Tuesday during a hearing held via video conferencing, as part of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case against him.
Kejriwal’s legal troubles began when he was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21 in a money laundering case related to the excise policy controversy. Although he was granted bail by the trial court in the ED’s case on June 20, the Delhi High Court overturned this decision the next day, leading to his continued legal battles.
Following his initial arrest by the ED, Kejriwal was subsequently taken into custody by the CBI on June 26, this time directly related to the excise policy case. On July 11, the Supreme Court granted him bail in the ED’s money laundering case. However, his legal challenges persist as he now faces charges from the CBI.
Arvind Kejriwal has filed petitions in the Supreme Court, seeking bail and challenging his arrest by the CBI. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear his plea on September 5.
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The CBI has defended Kejriwal’s arrest, arguing before the Supreme Court that it was necessary due to his alleged evasiveness and lack of cooperation during the investigation into his role in the excise policy scandal. The case continues to be a significant legal and political issue, with implications for the Delhi Chief Minister and his administration.
The development comes on a day when the Supreme Court on Tuesday granted conditional bail to Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha, who had been arrested earlier this year by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for her alleged involvement in the Delhi liquor policy scam. The case also implicates Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his former deputy, Manish Sisodia.
K Kavitha is now the second prominent opposition leader to secure bail in this case, following Mr. Sisodia’s release earlier this month. The Supreme Court expressed concern over delays in the trial process, highlighting that prolonged detention without trial infringes upon fundamental rights.
