Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Challenges Arrest by CBI in Excise Policy Case

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has approached the Delhi High Court against his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the Excise Policy case. He alleges that the CBI acted with malice and created a false basis for his arrest.

Kejriwal’s plea states that no proper justification or reasoning was provided for the arrest, especially since the investigation has been ongoing for two years. He claims that the arrest was based on material in CBI’s possession before June 4, which he argues is illegal as it involves re-evaluation not permitted by law. The CBI has not presented any new material obtained after June 4 to justify the investigation or arrest.

The CBI received permission to investigate under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, only on April 23. Kejriwal argues that the CBI has not shown any evidence obtained after April 23 to justify the arrest under Section 41 (1)(b)(ii).

The Bench of Justice Neena Bansal Krishna is scheduled to hear the matter on Tuesday. The Rouse Avenue Court of Delhi sent Kejriwal to judicial custody on June 29 in connection with the Excise Policy case.

The CBI alleges that Kejriwal did not cooperate with the investigation and gave evasive replies. They claim he could not explain the enhancement of the profit margin for wholesalers from 5% to 12% under the new Excise Policy of Delhi 2021-22, nor why the Cabinet approval for the revised policy was hurriedly obtained during the peak of the second wave of COVID-19.

The CBI also alleges that Kejriwal evaded questions about meetings with various stakeholders in the liquor business and the transfer of Rs 44.54 crore in ill-gotten money to the Goa Assembly Elections by his party during 2021-22.

Kejriwal maintains his innocence, stating that the accusations are meant to defame him and his party. He claims that the CBI is using media to spread false statements against him and his party members.

The court has asked the CBI to place on record the material they have for Kejriwal’s arrest. The Delhi High Court recently stayed Kejriwal’s bail order, stating that the trial court should have recorded its satisfaction with the fulfillment of twin conditions of section 45 of the Prevention of the Money Laundering Act (PMLA) before passing the order.