Supreme Court Denies Interim Bail to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in Liquor Policy Case, Seeks CBI Response
In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court of India, led by Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan, has refused to grant interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the Delhi excise policy case. The case has sparked widespread public interest due to the high-profile nature of the allegations, which involve serious charges of corruption and money laundering.
Court’s Decision and Reasoning
On August 14, 2024, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in response to Kejriwal’s plea seeking bail and challenging his arrest. However, the bench categorically denied interim bail at this stage, setting the next hearing for August 23, 2024. This decision comes after the Delhi High Court had previously refused to grant Kejriwal relief, directing him instead to approach the trial court.
Justice Surya Kant, while addressing the arguments presented by Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi on behalf of Kejriwal, emphasized that the bench was not inclined to provide interim relief without a thorough examination of the case. Singhvi had argued that Kejriwal had already been granted interim bail in a related case under the stringent Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), and therefore, similar relief should be considered in the CBI case. However, the bench pointed out that the circumstances surrounding the CBI investigation, which primarily focuses on corruption allegations, differ significantly from the money laundering case.
Background of the Case
The Delhi excise policy case has embroiled several prominent figures, including Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. The case revolves around allegations that Kejriwal and other Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders conspired to manipulate the Delhi Excise Policy to favor certain liquor vendors. The funds generated from these activities are alleged to have been used to finance the party’s election campaign in Goa.
Kejriwal was initially arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in March 2024, under charges related to money laundering. Despite being granted interim bail by the Supreme Court in the ED case, he remains in judicial custody due to the subsequent arrest by the CBI in June 2024. The CBI’s arrest of Kejriwal has been characterized by his legal team as an “insurance arrest,” strategically timed to prevent his release from custody following the bail granted in the ED case.
Legal Implications and Next Steps
The Supreme Court’s refusal to grant interim bail underscores the judiciary’s cautious approach in dealing with high-profile corruption cases. The court’s decision to issue a notice to the CBI indicates that the allegations and the ongoing investigation warrant further scrutiny before any relief can be considered. The upcoming hearing on August 23 will likely involve detailed arguments from both sides, particularly on the validity of Kejriwal’s arrest and the merits of his bail plea.
This case continues to be a focal point in Indian politics, with significant implications for the Aam Aadmi Party and its leadership. The outcome of the Supreme Court’s proceedings will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for how similar cases involving political figures are handled in the future.
For more details on this evolving story, stay tuned as we cover the latest developments.
