Arvind Kejriwal Seeks High Court Bail Amid Liquor Policy Controversy

Arvind Kejriwal  Delhi Chief Minister Accuses CBI of Harassment and Unlawful Arrest in High-Stakes Legal Battle

Arvind Kejriwal: In a significant legal maneuver, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has approached the Delhi High Court seeking bail in the contentious liquor policy case under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This move, made on Wednesday, marks a crucial chapter in the ongoing legal and political saga surrounding the alleged irregularities in the excise policy of Delhi.

Direct Approach to High Court

Kejriwal’s decision to approach the High Court directly for bail, bypassing the lower courts, is grounded in Section 439 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). Legal experts emphasize that this provision allows an individual to seek bail directly from the High Court or the Court of Sessions, thus providing a strategic legal pathway for the Chief Minister amid the intensifying scrutiny.

Allegations of Harassment claim by Kejriwal

In his bail petition, Kejriwal has vehemently criticized the CBI, accusing the agency of “haranguing and harassing” him under the pretext of an ongoing investigation. This, he argues, has escalated to a level of grave concern and dismay. The Chief Minister asserts that he has fully cooperated with the CBI’s investigative efforts, particularly highlighting his compliance during interrogations in April 2023.

Claims of Unlawful Arrest

Kejriwal’s petition also takes a strong stance against his arrest, labeling it as “wholly illegal, unconstitutional, and unsustainable.” He argues that the remand orders issued are routine and lack proper justification, thus undermining the legitimacy of the arrest and subsequent legal proceedings. The petition underscores that the CBI, as a premier investigating agency, is expected to operate with dispassion and objectivity, free from any bias or partiality.

Pending Legal Challenges

This bail plea is part of a broader legal strategy by Kejriwal, who has also challenged his arrest and the trial court’s remand orders before the Delhi High Court. The Chief Minister’s legal team informed the court on Tuesday about their intention to file a regular bail application in the corruption case linked to the liquor policy scam.

High Court’s Response

In response to Kejriwal’s plea, Justice Neena Bansal Krishna of the Delhi High Court has issued a notice to the CBI, directing the agency to file its reply within seven days. The matter has been scheduled for further arguments on July 17, adding a sense of urgency to the proceedings.

Background of the Case

Kejriwal’s arrest on June 26, while he was in judicial custody at Tihar Jail for a related money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), has sparked considerable political and legal controversy. The liquor policy in question was scrapped in 2022 following an order by the Delhi Lieutenant Governor for a CBI probe into alleged irregularities and corruption in its formulation and execution.

According to allegations by the CBI and ED, significant irregularities were identified in the modifications made to the excise policy, with undue favours allegedly extended to licence holders. These claims have been vehemently denied by Kejriwal and his party, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

Political Implications

The arrest and subsequent legal battles of Arvind Kejriwal have profound political implications, not only for Delhi but also for the national political landscape. As the national convener of AAP, Kejriwal’s legal troubles have been portrayed by his supporters as a politically motivated attack aimed at undermining his leadership and the party’s governance model.

AAP leaders have rallied behind Kejriwal, denouncing the CBI’s actions as a witch-hunt and a blatant misuse of central agencies to target political opponents. The party’s narrative has centered around the theme of political vendetta, suggesting that the BJP-led central government is using investigative agencies to stifle dissent and opposition.

Legal Strategy

Kejriwal’s legal strategy appears to be multi-faceted, involving challenges to the validity of his arrest, the remand orders, and the ongoing investigative processes. By directly approaching the High Court for bail and challenging the CBI’s actions, Kejriwal aims to secure his release and continue his political activities without the constraints of judicial custody.

Judicial Review

The judicial review of Kejriwal’s case by the Delhi High Court will be closely watched, not only for its legal ramifications but also for its potential impact on the political dynamics in Delhi and beyond. The court’s decision on the bail plea, scheduled for arguments on July 17, will be a critical juncture in this high-stakes legal battle.

Public Perception

Public perception of the case is deeply polarized. Supporters of Kejriwal view him as a victim of political persecution, while detractors argue that the allegations of corruption and irregularities in the excise policy warrant thorough investigation and legal accountability. The outcome of the bail plea and the broader legal proceedings will likely influence public opinion and shape the narrative around governance and corruption in Delhi.

Future Implications

The developments in Kejriwal’s case are poised to have lasting implications on the political and legal landscape of India. The interplay between state and central authorities, the role of investigative agencies, and the judicial oversight of politically sensitive cases will be key themes emerging from this saga.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the Delhi High Court’s decisions will be scrutinized for their adherence to legal principles and their impact on the delicate balance between political power and judicial accountability. Kejriwal’s fight for bail and his broader legal strategy will continue to be a focal point of political discourse and legal analysis in the coming weeks and months.

In conclusion, Arvind Kejriwal‘s move to seek bail from the Delhi High Court in the liquor policy case is a pivotal moment in his ongoing legal battle. The outcome of this case will not only determine his immediate political future but also set important precedents for the relationship between political leadership and investigative agencies in India.