Kejriwal’s ‘Insurance’ Arrest: Legal Battle Intensifies in Delhi High Court
In a significant legal development, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s counsel, Abhishek Singhvi, argued before the Delhi High Court that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) made an “insurance” arrest in the alleged excise policy corruption case primarily to ensure Kejriwal remains in custody. The dispute drew attention as the court convened on a public holiday due to Muharram.
Singhvi described the arrest as a “sham” and insisted on Kejriwal’s entitlement to bail. Emphasizing that Kejriwal is already under the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) detention, Singhvi remarked, “Those orchestrating this want him imprisoned by hook or by crook.” Singhvi further highlighted favorable release orders from the Supreme Court and a trial court in related cases under the stringent Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), suggesting Kejriwal’s right to freedom.
Opposing the claims, CBI advocate D.P. Singh refuted the “insurance arrest” terminology, asserting that the multiple legal filings had not indicated procedural violations by the agency. Singh noted that Kejriwal’s role in the scrapped excise policy became apparent later, leading to his CBI summons and subsequent arrest, timed with judicial rulings on his ED case.
Justice Neena Bansal Krishna has reserved her decision on Kejriwal’s petition challenging his CBI arrest and seeking interim bail. Singhvi also drew parallels with former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s repeated arrests, cautioning against a similar scenario in India.
Arvind Kejriwal was apprehended by the CBI on June 26 while in Tihar Jail, where he had been held since his ED arrest on March 21 for money laundering. Although a trial court granted him bail, the High Court subsequently stayed the order. The Supreme Court later provided interim bail in the money laundering case on July 12.
This ongoing legal tussle adds to the complex politico-legal landscape, keeping a spotlight on Delhi’s governance and judicial processes.
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/kejriwal-challenges-arrest-by-cbi-in-delhi-hc-terms-it-insurance-arrest/article68415108.ece
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