Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Challenges Arrest in Excise Policy Case

New Delhi, July 1: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has approached the Delhi High Court to contest his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the Excise Policy case. He is also challenging a trial court’s decision from June 26 that sent him to three days of custodial remand and deemed his arrest legal.

The Rouse Avenue Court of Delhi had sent Kejriwal to judicial custody in connection with the case. The CBI claims that during his police custody, Kejriwal was uncooperative and gave evasive answers, especially regarding the increase in profit margins for wholesalers under the new Excise Policy of Delhi 2021-22.

The CBI also questioned why the revised Excise Policy was hurriedly approved during the peak of the second wave of COVID-19. They allege that Kejriwal’s close associate, Vijay Nair, held meetings with liquor business stakeholders and demanded illegal payments for favorable policy provisions.

Kejriwal was also unable to explain his meetings with other accused individuals and the transfer of Rs. 44.54 crores for the Goa Assembly Elections. The CBI believes that Kejriwal, being an influential politician, could tamper with evidence and influence witnesses.

During the court proceedings, Kejriwal denied making any statements against his colleague Manish Sisodia and claimed that the CBI was trying to defame him and his party, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). His lawyer, Senior Advocate Vikram Chaudhari, argued against the remand application, questioning the timing and validity of the arrest.

The Delhi High Court recently stayed Kejriwal’s bail order, stating that the trial court should have recorded its satisfaction with the conditions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act before passing the order.