The Delhi Rouse Avenue Court has extended the judicial custody of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal until September 3 in connection with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case related to the now-canceled Delhi liquor excise policy for 2021-22. The court has also reserved its ruling on the fourth supplementary chargesheet filed by the CBI, which lists Kejriwal and five others as accused. The matter is scheduled for a hearing on September 3.
Kejriwal, the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), is currently detained in Delhi’s Tihar Jail due to corruption and money laundering allegations linked to the alleged excise policy scam, which is being investigated by both the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Supreme Court Postpones Bail Plea Hearing to September 5
The Supreme Court has postponed the hearing on Arvind Kejriwal’s bail plea in the excise policy case to September 5, following a request from the CBI for more time to submit its affidavit. Kejriwal has filed two petitions—one challenging the denial of bail and another contesting his arrest by the CBI.
In its detailed affidavit, the CBI alleged that all significant decisions regarding the now-scrapped excise policy were made under Kejriwal’s direction, in collaboration with then Deputy CM Manish Sisodia.
AAP Accuses CBI of Acting on BJP’s Orders
On Saturday, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the CBI of conspiring to keep Arvind Kejriwal in jail. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Manish Sisodia accused the CBI of delaying the court process while leaking information to the media to sway public opinion. He claimed, “The CBI is acting like a puppet on BJP’s instructions to keep Arvind Kejriwal in jail.”
In response, the BJP challenged AAP to take the matter to the Supreme Court if they believe the CBI is “lying and biased.” The CBI has yet to respond to these allegations.