Excise policy case: CM Kejriwal moves Delhi HC against his arrest by CBI

Digital Desk: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday filed a petition in the Delhi High Court challenging his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the Excise Policy case. He also contested the June 26 order of a trial court, which had remanded him to three days of custodial detention with the CBI, asserting that his arrest was lawful.

The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi had previously sent Arvind Kejriwal to judicial custody on Saturday regarding the Excise policy matter. According to the CBI, during his custody, Kejriwal was interrogated but allegedly did not cooperate, providing evasive responses that contradicted the evidence on record.

The CBI accused Kejriwal of failing to explain the rationale behind increasing the profit margin for liquor wholesalers from 5% to 12% under Delhi's new Excise Policy for 2021-22, without any substantive study or justification. They also questioned the expedited approval of the policy during the peak of the second wave of Covid-19, alleging that meetings were held between his close associate Vijay Nair and stakeholders in the liquor industry to solicit illegal gratifications.

Regarding other allegations, including the utilization of illicit funds during the Goa Assembly Elections, the CBI claimed Kejriwal evaded questions and did not provide satisfactory explanations.

The CBI further stated that Kejriwal's continued custodial interrogation was unnecessary at this stage. However, he emphasized concerns about his potential influence over witnesses and evidence, given his prominent political position as Chief Minister of Delhi.

During a court appearance, Kejriwal denied accusations made against him in the media, particularly regarding his statements about Manish Sisodia and the Aam Aadmi Party, asserting their innocence.

Senior Advocate Vikram Chaudhari, representing Kejriwal, opposed the CBI's remand application, questioning the timing of the arrest and the necessity for further custodial interrogation. Chaudhari argued that the CBI's insistence on specific admissions from Kejriwal amounted to an unreasonable demand for a confession.

On June 26, Kejriwal was formally arrested after a Delhi court during a vacation session granted permission for the CBI to interrogate him in court.

Recently, the Delhi High Court stayed Kejriwal's bail order issued by the trial court, noting procedural concerns related to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).