Delhi excise policy case: Arvind Kejriwal denied interim relief, CBI to receive notice; 10 key points from SC hearing

Aug. 14, 2024, 8:12 a.m.

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On Wednesday, the Supreme Court refused to grant interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the ongoing corruption case linked to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam, currently under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan, issued notices to the CBI following Kejriwal’s petitions challenging the legality of his arrest and seeking bail. Here are the 10 key points from the Supreme Court hearing involving Arvind Kejriwal and the alleged Delhi excise policy case:

Advertisement Supreme Court notice issued: On August 14, the Supreme Court issued a notice on Arvind Kejriwal’s petition seeking bail in the alleged Delhi excise policy case, registered by the CBI.

Challenge to CBI Arrest: The Supreme Court also issued a notice regarding a separate petition filed by Kejriwal challenging his arrest by the CBI. These matters are scheduled for a hearing on August 23.

Temporary Release in PMLA Case: Senior advocate AM Singhvi highlighted that Kejriwal was granted temporary release three times in the money laundering case, even though strict conditions under Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) applied.

Supreme Court’s previous orders: Singhvi referred to the Supreme Court’s interim bail orders on May 10 and July 12 and the regular bail granted by the trial court on June 20 in the PMLA case.

“Insurance arrest” allegation: Singhvi described Kejriwal’s CBI arrest on June 26 as an “insurance arrest,” alleging it was made to prevent his release after securing bail in the ED case related to the same excise policy scam.

Legal standards comparison: Singhvi argued that Kejriwal’s bail should not be denied under the Prevention of Corruption Act as it lacks the stringent conditions of the PMLA under which he had already been granted bail.

Health concerns and hearing date: Kejriwal's legal representative requested a swift hearing due to his health issues. However, the bench declined interim bail and scheduled the hearing for August 23.

Delhi High Court’s dismissal: Kejriwal’s petition challenges the August 5 Delhi High Court order that dismissed his plea against the CBI arrest but allowed him to seek bail from the trial court.

Continued Judicial Custody: Despite the Supreme Court granting Kejriwal temporary release in the money laundering case on July 12, he remains in judicial custody due to his CBI arrest.

Timeline of Legal Proceedings: Kejriwal's legal journey includes his arrest by the CBI on June 26, temporary release from the Supreme Court on July 12, and subsequent legal challenges, culminating in his appeal to the Supreme Court after the Delhi High Court's dismissal on August 5.