Arvind Kejriwal case Live Updates: Delhi high court reserves order on Kejriwal's plea challenging CBI arrest, interim bail
Published Jul 17, 2024, 15:39:36
By M.k.karikalsozhan Blog Reporter
On 17th July 2024, the Delhi High Court reserved its order on Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's pleas challenging his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the excise policy case and seeking interim bail.
Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, was arrested by the CBI on 26th June 2024 in relation to the now-scrapped excise policy case. Prior to this, Kejriwal had been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on 21st March 2024 in a connected money laundering case. However, the trial court granted him bail on 20th June 2024, which was later stayed by the Delhi High Court. In the latest development, Kejriwal has filed two pleas before the Delhi High Court - one challenging his arrest by the CBI and the other seeking interim bail. During the hearing, his senior counsel Abhishek Singhvi termed the CBI arrest an "insurance arrest" to prevent Kejriwal from being released on bail.
#### Kejriwal's Advocate Argues for Bail
Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, asserted that the Chief Minister was "not a terrorist" and his arrest was not in accordance with the mandate of the law. He argued that Kejriwal, being the Chief Minister of Delhi, was entitled to bail. Singhvi further highlighted that Kejriwal had effectively three release orders in his favour in the ED case, which was a much more stringent case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). He contended that if Kejriwal could be released in the PMLA case, he should also be granted bail in the CBI case.
#### CBI's Stance and the High Court's Reservations
On the other hand, the CBI, represented by advocate D.P. Singh, opposed Kejriwal's pleas and argued that terming the arrest an "insurance arrest" was unjustified. The Delhi High Court, after hearing the arguments from both sides, reserved its order on Kejriwal's pleas challenging his arrest and seeking interim bail. The court has also listed his regular bail plea for further arguments on 29th July 2024.
#### Kejriwal's Previous Bail Orders
Singhvi, in his arguments, referred to the Supreme Court's order last week, which had granted interim bail to Kejriwal in the money laundering case filed by the ED. He also mentioned the interim bail order by the Supreme Court that allowed Kejriwal to campaign during the elections. Additionally, Singhvi highlighted that in the much more stringent PMLA case, Kejriwal had been released by the trial court, although that order was later stayed by the Delhi High Court.
#### Kejriwal's Message to the People
During his meeting with his wife Sunita Kejriwal and Delhi Minister Atishi inside the Tihar Jail, Arvind Kejriwal conveyed a message to the mothers, sisters, and daughters of Delhi. He assured them that he would soon be released and would fulfil the promise of providing ₹1,000 per month to the women of Delhi. Kejriwal also took updates on the studies of children in Delhi government schools and gave instructions to ensure there is no shortage of water in the city during the summer months.
The Delhi High Court has recently reserved its order on the bail plea of Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, who challenged his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the excise policy case. The proceedings have garnered significant attention, with Kejriwal’s legal team, led by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, presenting robust arguments against the CBI’s actions. Singhvi vehemently argued that the arrest of Kejriwal by the CBI was nothing short of an "insurance arrest," a term he used to describe an arrest made with the intent to ensure that Kejriwal remains behind bars "by hook or by crook." He insisted that Kejriwal’s detention was not justified under the law and that his client is entitled to bail. Singhvi went further to stress that Kejriwal is "not a terrorist," underscoring that the arrest did not comply with the legal mandates required for such an action.
To bolster his argument, Singhvi cited a recent Supreme Court order that granted Kejriwal interim bail in a related case handled by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). According to Singhvi, this Supreme Court decision, along with two other favourable rulings, effectively provided Kejriwal with "three release orders." These orders, Singhvi contended, should be taken into serious consideration by the Delhi High Court while deciding on the current bail plea. On the other side, the CBI, represented by advocate DP Singh, opposed Kejriwal's pleas. Singh argued that referring to Kejriwal’s arrest as an "insurance arrest" was "unjustified." He maintained that the arrest was conducted lawfully and in accordance with the procedures mandated by the judicial system. The CBI’s stance is that the arrest was necessary and justified under the circumstances surrounding the excise policy case.
The Delhi High Court, after hearing the arguments from both sides, decided to reserve its order on Kejriwal's plea challenging his arrest. Additionally, the court also reserved its judgment on Kejriwal's interim bail plea. The legal community and the public at large are keenly awaiting the court’s decision, which is expected to have significant political and legal ramifications.The High Court has scheduled the hearing for Kejriwal's regular bail plea for July 29. This upcoming hearing will be crucial, as it will further determine whether Kejriwal will be granted regular bail or if he will remain in custody pending further legal proceedings.
In summary, the Delhi High Court's reserved judgment on Arvind Kejriwal's bail plea marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal battle involving the Delhi Chief Minister and the CBI. Kejriwal's lawyer, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, has characterised the arrest as an "insurance arrest," aiming to keep Kejriwal in custody at all costs, a claim that the CBI firmly denies. The court’s final decision on this matter is eagerly anticipated, as it will have profound implications for Kejriwal's immediate future and the broader political landscape in Delhi. The legal arguments presented by both sides highlight the complexities and high stakes involved in this case. The defence has placed significant emphasis on previous judicial decisions favouring Kejriwal, while the prosecution has steadfastly defended the legality and necessity of the arrest. As the July 29 hearing approaches, all eyes will be on the Delhi High Court, awaiting a decision that could potentially alter the course of Delhi's political scene.
#### Conclusion
The Arvind Kejriwal case has been a closely watched political and legal battle in India. The Delhi High Court's decision on Kejriwal's pleas challenging his arrest and seeking interim bail will have significant implications for the Chief Minister and the ongoing political scenario in the national capital. As the case continues to unfold, the public and political observers will be keenly awaiting the court's ruling and its impact on the future course of events.
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