New Delhi:The Supreme Court of India is set to deliver its verdict today on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s petitions challenging his arrest and seeking bail in the Delhi excise policy case. The verdict is expected to be announced at 10:30 AM by a bench led by Justice Surya Kant, which also includes Justice Ujjal Bhuyan.
Kejriwal has moved the Supreme Court against the Delhi High Court’s August 5 decision, which upheld his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The High Court had observed that the evidence against Kejriwal was substantiated following his arrest and deemed it justifiable. Additionally, the High Court permitted Kejriwal to approach a trial court for bail.
Key Updates:
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Petitions Filed: Kejriwal has filed two separate petitions challenging the denial of bail and his arrest by the CBI in the corruption case.
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Arrest Details: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader was arrested by the CBI on June 26. His arrest is linked to allegations of corruption in the formulation and execution of Delhi’s excise policy for 2021-22, which has since been revoked.
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High Court's Stance: The Delhi High Court’s decision on August 5 upheld the CBI’s actions, citing closure of the evidence loop post-arrest.
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Additional Legal Issues: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also filed a separate money laundering case related to the excise policy. Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21, 2024, and granted interim bail by the Supreme Court on July 12, pending further examination by a larger bench.
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Supreme Court's Role: During the September 5 hearing, Kejriwal challenged the CBI’s argument that he should first seek bail from the trial court. Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, representing the CBI, argued that Kejriwal’s pleas were invalid and referenced a similar directive issued by the Supreme Court in the money laundering case.
AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has expressed optimism, stating that the party is hopeful for a favorable judgment from the Supreme Court.
The outcome of today’s verdict will be closely watched as it holds significant implications for both Kejriwal’s political career and the broader legal landscape surrounding the case.
