Delhi Excise Policy Case: High Court to Hear Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s Bail Plea on July 5

The Delhi High Court has scheduled a hearing for July 5 regarding Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s bail plea in a corruption case linked to the alleged Excise policy scam. This case, registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), has significant implications for the political landscape in Delhi.

Historical Context

The Excise policy in question was introduced to regulate the sale and distribution of alcohol in Delhi. However, in 2022, the policy was scrapped following an order by the Delhi Lieutenant Governor, who called for a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities and corruption in its formulation and execution. The CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have since been investigating the case, alleging that modifications to the policy involved undue favours to license holders.

Recent Developments

On July 3, Advocate Rajat Bhardwaj, representing Mr. Kejriwal, urgently requested a hearing before a bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela. The bench agreed to hear the plea on July 5. Mr. Kejriwal’s counsel argued that his client was taken into illegal custody without following due legal procedures, prompting the bail plea.

Mr. Kejriwal, the national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), was arrested by the CBI on June 26 while already in judicial custody at Tihar Jail for a related money laundering case filed by the ED. He has also challenged a trial court’s July 1 order that denied his request for additional weekly meetings with his lawyers via video conference. Currently, he is permitted two such meetings per week.

The High Court has issued a notice to the CBI, asking for a reply to Mr. Kejriwal’s challenge to his arrest, with arguments scheduled for July 17. Notably, Mr. Kejriwal was previously granted bail by a trial court in the money laundering case on June 20, but this order was stayed by the High Court.

Summary

• Hearing Date: Delhi High Court to hear Arvind Kejriwal’s bail plea on July 5.
• Case Background: Linked to alleged irregularities and corruption in the Delhi Excise policy, scrapped in 2022.
• Arrests: Kejriwal arrested by CBI on June 26; previously arrested by ED on March 21.
• Legal Proceedings: Kejriwal challenges his arrest and seeks additional lawyer meetings; High Court to hear arguments on July 17.
• Current Status: Kejriwal remains in judicial custody at Tihar Jail.

This case is pivotal for students preparing for competitive exams, as it involves understanding the legal procedures, the role of investigative agencies like the CBI and ED, and the political ramifications of corruption allegations.