The Delhi High Court commenced hearings on Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s bail plea concerning the alleged excise policy scam, as registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The proceedings, overseen by Justice Neena Bansal Krishna on an unusual court holiday, saw vigorous arguments from both sides.
Arvind Kejriwal’s legal counsel, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, argued vehemently against his client’s arrest, labeling it as an “insurance arrest”. Singhvi stated during the hearing, “It is unfortunately an insurance arrest. I have effectively three release orders in my favour (in ED case) under very stringent provisions… These orders show that the man is entitled to be released. He would have been released but for this insurance arrest.” Singhvi underscored that Kejriwal, as a prominent public figure, does not pose a flight risk nor does he present any threat warranting detention.
Asserting that “Kejriwal is not a terrorist”, Singhvi contended that his client’s arrest was not in accordance with legal mandates, emphasizing Kejriwal’s entitlement to bail.
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In response, advocate DP Singh, representing the CBI, rebuffed Singhvi’s claims, deeming the term “insurance arrest” unjustified. Singh argued against Kejriwal’s bail plea, asserting procedural irregularities in his approach to the high court without first exhausting options in the trial court.
Earlier this month, the Delhi High Court had instructed the CBI to provide a response to Kejriwal’s bail plea, setting the stage for today’s arguments. Kejriwal’s legal team had swiftly moved to seek bail, arguing that his arrest by the CBI following bail granted in a separate money laundering case by the Enforcement Directorate was unnecessary and illegal.
The high court acknowledged the procedural objection raised by the CBI and stated, “the contention shall be considered at the time of arguments,” indicating a thorough evaluation of the legal framework governing Kejriwal’s case.
It is noteworthy that a Delhi court recently extended Arvind Kejriwal’s judicial custody until July 25 in connection with the CBI case linked to the alleged excise policy scam. This decision followed interim relief granted by the Supreme Court in the Enforcement Directorate’s case, which Kejriwal contested separately. Despite this relief, Kejriwal remained in custody as the CBI pursued further charges related to the excise policy investigation.