Arvind Kejriwal Sent To Judicial Custody Until July 12 Following CBI Plea In Excise Policy Case

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been sent to judicial custody until July 12 by the Rouse Avenue Court in connection with the Delhi liquor policy corruption case. Following the conclusion of his CBI remand, Kejriwal was scheduled to appear via video conferencing at 2 pm on July 12. His lawyer objected when the CBI requested judicial custody, seeking access to the case diary, which was denied by the CBI’s lawyer citing legal precedents.

During the proceedings, Kejriwal’s lawyer contested the CBI’s claim that he had not cooperated with the investigation, emphasizing that the CBI had stated they did not arrest him earlier to avoid Supreme Court proceedings. The court, following the end of CBI remand, mandated judicial custody in accordance with the CrPC, stressing its duty to oversee the investigative process.

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The CBI argued that Kejriwal’s political influence posed a risk to the investigation, highlighting irregularities in the quick approval of the excise policy during the second wave of COVID-19. Previously, the court had deemed Kejriwal’s arrest justified based on available evidence and witness statements, rejecting claims that it was illegal.

In addition to judicial custody, the court directed that Kejriwal receive a prescribed diet during his detention.