[BREAKING] Delhi HC To Deliver Verdict Today On Kejriwal’s Plea Against CBI Arrest-Expected At 2:30 PM

Delhi High Court to Announce Verdict Today (August 5th) on Arvind Kejriwal’s Challenge Against CBI Arrest and Bail Plea in Liquor Policy Case Around 2:30 pm. On July 29, Justice Neena Bansal Krishna, who presided over the case, has reserved the verdict on both Kejriwal’s bail plea and his plea challenging his arrest.

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[BREAKING] Delhi HC to Deliver Verdict Today on Kejriwal’s Plea Against CBI Arrest-Expected at 2:30 PM

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court is set to deliver its verdict today in the plea filed by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, challenging his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the liquor policy case, as well as his bail plea.

The verdict is expected at 2:30 PM.

Earlier Proceedings in Delhi HC

On Monday, July 29, the CBI identified Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as the “sutradhar” or central figure in the excise policy case during the hearing of his bail plea at the Delhi High Court.

Justice Neena Bansal Krishna, who presided over the case, has reserved the verdict on both Kejriwal’s bail plea and his plea challenging his arrest.

Earlier in the day, the CBI submitted its final chargesheet against Kejriwal, informing the Delhi High Court of their findings. According to the CBI, Arvind Kejriwal played a pivotal role in the excise policy scam, earning him the title of “sutradhar.”

Senior Advocate AM Singhvi appeared for Arvind Kejriwal, while Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) DP Singh represented the CBI. Singh stated:

“My colleague’s suggestion to make the LG a co-accused is simply an attempt to sensationalize the issue. The Supreme Court’s judgment clearly states that the LG’s involvement was necessary, so there’s no need for any undue sensationalism. The LG’s role pertains to involvement, not approval. All the officers mentioned have already given their statements.”

During the hearing, the agency’s counsel argued that Kejriwal, in his capacity as head of the cabinet, signed and circulated the excise policy among his colleagues, obtaining their signatures within a single day. This rapid approval process took place amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The CBI counsel further revealed testimony from C. Aravind, an IAS officer working under Manish Sisodia. Arvind testified that Vijay Nair brought a copy of the excise policy to be entered into the computer while Kejriwal was present.

This, according to the CBI, clearly indicates Kejriwal’s direct involvement in the formulation and execution of the policy.

Kejriwal was arrested by the CBI on June 26 while he was already in judicial custody at Tihar Jail in connection with a money-laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). His judicial custody in the excise policy case has been extended by the Rouse Avenue Court until August 8.

In a plea filed earlier this month, Kejriwal argued that the probe agency had failed to present any new evidence after June 4 to justify his continued investigation or arrest. He described his arrest by the CBI in the excise policy scam as an “insurance arrest.”

“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,”

-stated senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, who represented Kejriwal in court before Justice Neena Bansal Krishna.

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court granted interim bail to Kejriwal in the case registered by the ED under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, providing a temporary reprieve in the ongoing legal saga related to the liquor policy case.