The Delhi High Court has requested the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to respond to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s plea challenging his arrest in the ongoing excise policy case. This case, involving allegations of corruption in the formulation and implementation of the Delhi government’s 2021-22 excise policy, has seen significant legal and political ramifications.
Background
Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the CBI, which has accused him of involvement in financial irregularities linked to the excise policy. This policy, now scrapped, allegedly favored certain liquor licensees in exchange for kickbacks to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Court’s Proceedings
- Request for CBI Response: The High Court has directed the CBI to present its stance on Kejriwal’s petition, which seeks relief from his arrest and challenges the legality of the CBI’s actions.
- Legal Arguments: Kejriwal’s defense argues that his arrest is politically motivated and an abuse of legal process, asserting that the CBI has not provided substantial new evidence justifying his detention (Sources: Business Standard, Livemint).
The court’s directive marks a crucial step in determining whether the arrest was justified under the legal framework governing such high-profile investigations.