The Supreme Court has refused to grant interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the liquor policy case. Earlier, on August 5, the Delhi High Court had upheld his arrest, saying it was valid. Now, the Supreme Court has also rejected his plea for bail.
Arvind Kejriwal, currently in Tihar Jail, did not receive bail from the Supreme Court. The court has issued a notice to the CBI, asking for a response to Kejriwal’s petition. However, the court has made it clear that it will not grant interim bail at this stage. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for August 23.
After Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia was granted bail in the Delhi liquor policy scam case, the party was hopeful that CM Kejriwal would also receive bail soon. However, this did not happen. On August 14, the Supreme Court heard Kejriwal’s petition challenging the Delhi High Court’s order, which upheld his arrest by the CBI in connection with the alleged excise policy scam.
High Court Validates Kejriwal’s Arrest
The Delhi High Court had previously ruled on August 5 that Kejriwal’s arrest was valid, stating that there was no malice in the CBI’s actions. The court noted that witnesses came forward to testify only after Kejriwal’s arrest, indicating his influence over them. The High Court had advised Kejriwal to seek regular bail from the lower court, stating that the CBI had completed its evidence-gathering and that the arrest was justified.
Kejriwal’s Influence Highlighted
During the High Court hearing, it was pointed out that Kejriwal is not an ordinary citizen but a Magsaysay award winner and the convener of the Aam Aadmi Party. The court stated that witnesses only had the courage to testify after his arrest, showing the extent of his influence. The court also mentioned that after collecting relevant evidence, the loop of evidence against him was completed, and there was no indication of malice in the CBI’s actions.
The High Court dismissed Kejriwal’s petition challenging his arrest, stating that the investigation only progressed after enough evidence was gathered and approval was obtained in April 2024. The court also noted that the crime had links to Punjab, but witnesses were hesitant to come forward due to Kejriwal’s position and influence. It was only after his arrest that witnesses came forward to give their statements.