Excise Policy Scam: Kejriwal Fights Back in SC Over CBI Arrest – Bail on the Line

The Supreme Court on Thursday began hearing Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s plea challenging his arrest and the denial of bail by the CBI in the alleged excise policy scam.

P24 News Media

September 05, 2024

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Excise Policy Scam: Kejriwal Fights Back in SC Over CBI Arrest – Bail on the Line

Politics

SC Commences Hearing on Kejriwal’s Plea

The Supreme Court on Thursday began hearing Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s plea challenging his arrest and the denial of bail by the CBI in the alleged excise policy scam.

Kejriwal’s Legal Defense Highlights

Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for the chief minister, told a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan that Kejriwal was not named in the CBI FIR and, moreover, he is not a flight risk. Singhvi also emphasized that the top court, while granting interim bail in the money laundering case, had already indicated Kejriwal did not pose a threat to society.

Timeline of Events in the Excise Policy Scam

The alleged scam, which began in August 2023, has led to significant legal actions, including Kejriwal’s arrest in March 2024 as part of the money laundering case. Singhvi pointed out that both the top court and a trial court had already granted bail in relation to the money laundering charges.

Ongoing Supreme Court Hearing

The Supreme Court is currently in session, hearing Kejriwal's arguments. Previously, on August 23, the court allowed the CBI to file a counter affidavit and gave Kejriwal two days to submit a rejoinder.

Kejriwal Challenges Bail Denial and CBI Arrest

Kejriwal has filed two separate petitions: one challenging the denial of bail, and the other contesting his arrest by the CBI in this high-profile case. He is also challenging the Delhi High Court’s August 5 ruling, which upheld his arrest as legal.

CBI’s Stance and the Delhi High Court Verdict

On August 14, the Supreme Court refused to grant interim bail to Kejriwal and sought a response from the CBI on his plea challenging his arrest. The Delhi High Court, in its August 5 ruling, declared Kejriwal’s arrest by the CBI lawful, stating there was no malice in the CBI’s actions and affirming that Kejriwal could influence witnesses, many of whom only came forward after his arrest.

Excise Policy Scrapped Amidst Allegations

The controversial excise policy, central to the case, was scrapped in 2022 after the Delhi lieutenant governor ordered a CBI probe into alleged irregularities. According to the CBI and ED, the formulation and execution of the policy involved undue favours to license holders, leading to widespread corruption.