Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s Judicial Custody Extended Till 25 September

A local court has extended Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s judicial custody until 25 September 2024, as part of the ongoing investigation into the alleged liquor policy scam.

On Wednesday, Kejriwal appeared before the Rouse Avenue Court via video conference from Tihar Jail, where his previous custody term had expired.

Insights

During the brief court session, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) informed the court that it would provide both digital and physical copies of the charge sheet to Kejriwal within the next few days.

Special Judge Kaveri Baweja of the Rouse Avenue Court issued a production warrant for Kejriwal, following the CBI’s supplementary charge sheet filed against him and other defendants in the corruption case.

The Supreme Court is yet to deliver its judgment on Kejriwal’s plea challenging his arrest by the CBI and seeking bail.

On 5 September, the Court reserved its decision after hearing arguments from senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, and Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S.V. Raju for the CBI.

Singhvi argued that Kejriwal’s arrest was a rushed measure to prevent his release in the money laundering case.

He asserted that Kejriwal, as a constitutional leader, met all criteria for bail: he is not a flight risk, will cooperate with the investigation, and cannot tamper with evidence.

Conversely, ASG Raju opposed the bail plea, expressing concerns that releasing Kejriwal could lead to witnesses becoming hostile. He argued that Kejriwal’s arrest was legally sanctioned, and his release could jeopardize the investigation.

ASG Raju suggested that the trial court, rather than the Delhi High Court, should reconsider the bail request.

In a special leave petition to the Supreme Court, Kejriwal is challenging his arrest and the subsequent remand orders while seeking bail.

The CBI has accused Kejriwal of attempting to politicize the issue, despite repeated judicial confirmations of the offenses.

On 12 July, the Supreme Court granted interim bail to Kejriwal in a related money laundering case brought by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), but he remains in custody due to the CBI’s separate charges.

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