On Friday, the Delhi High Court has issued a notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) following a bail plea filed by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with a corruption case linked to an alleged liquor policy scam.
Justice Neena Bansal Krishna’s Bench instructed the investigative agency to submit its response and scheduled the next hearing for 17 July.
During the proceedings, CBI’s counsel objected to the direct filing of the bail plea in the High Court, arguing that CM Kejriwal should have initially approached the trial court for bail.
The Bench acknowledged the objection, deferring further discussion to a later stage and requesting the CBI to file its reply in the interim.
Earlier this week, Acting Chief Justice Manmohan’s Bench expedited the bail plea for urgent listing, ensuring that it heard the plea on July 5.
Notably, CM Kejriwal’s challenge against the CBI’s arrest is likely for a hearing on 17 July.
Presently in judicial custody until 12 July, he contests the legality of his arrest and the subsequent custody by the agency.
The CBI had detained CM Kejriwal on 26 June, subsequently obtaining three days of custody for interrogation following his appearance in the Rouse Avenue Court.
In related legal developments, the Delhi High Court recently halted a trial court’s decision to grant bail to CM Kejriwal in a separate money laundering case, citing discrepancies in document examination and arguments.
Previously, the Supreme Court had reserved judgment on CM Kejriwal’s petition challenging his arrest and remand by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in an excise policy case.
His temporary release for 21 days was ordered by the apex court in light of the General Elections.
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