SC denies interim bail to Arvind Kejriwal, issues notice to CBI, next hearing on August 23
The excise policy, which was scrapped in 2022 following an investigation ordered by the Delhi lieutenant governor, has been at the centre of the controversy. Both the CBI and ED alleged that irregularities and undue favours were granted during the policy's modification and execution.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to grant interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the corruption case filed by the CBI related to the alleged excise policy scam. A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan issued a notice to the CBI in response to Kejriwal's plea challenging the Delhi High Court's order upholding his arrest by the investigative agency. "We are not granting any interim bail. We will issue notice," the bench informed senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, who represented Kejriwal.
Next hearing scheduled
The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for August 23. The Delhi High Court had earlier, on August 5, upheld the legality of Kejriwal's arrest, noting that there was no malice in the actions of the CBI. The court stated that the arrest demonstrated how Kejriwal could potentially influence witnesses, who only felt safe to testify after his detention.
Background of the case
The excise policy in question was scrapped in 2022 following an order from the Delhi lieutenant governor for a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities and corruption. The CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have alleged that the excise policy was manipulated, and undue favors were extended to license holders, leading to significant financial irregularities.
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