'Arvind Kejriwal's Arrest An Insurance Arrest': Singhvi Tells Delhi HC That CBI Acted On 'Afterthought'
Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi appearing for Arvind Kejriwal tore into the CBI with his arguments and said that Kejriwal's arrest by CBI was an "afterthought insurance arrest."
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday resumed hearing the bail application moved by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his challenge to arrest by the CBI in the Delhi Liquor Policy case. Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi appearing for the AAP chief tore into the CBI with his arguments and said that Kejriwal's arrest by CBI was an "afterthought insurance arrest."
Singhvi told the high court that after Kejriwal secured three release orders in the Enforcement Directorate case, they anticipated that sooner or later he would walk out. To make sure he stays behind bars the CBI arrested Kejriwal to ensure he stays behind bars.
"CBI didn't intend to and did not have any material to arrest. This is an arrest in the sake of form that if he comes out, it is an additional insurance arrest. I have three release orders in my favour." Singhvi said while referring to two interim bails by Supreme Court and one regular bail granted to Kejriwal by a trial court in the ED case.
Arvind Kejriwal's Blood Sugar Dropped Below 50 In Sleep
Appearing for Kejriwal, Singhvi requested the court to apply its mind to his medical health of the jailed CM and said that his blood sugar has gone down to 50 while sleeping.
"This is a cause of concern. Sugar levels dropping while the person is sleeping is dangerous. The person might not wake up. Please take a holistic view, a commonsensical view," Singhvi said.
Bail Condition In ED's Case More Stringent Than CBI
Singhvi argued that Kejriwal despite getting bail from the Supreme Court in a stringent law under PMLA, has to beg for bail in CBI arrest which is not as stringent as Section 45 of PMLA. Kejriwal was first granted interim bail by the Supreme Court for elections following which he surrendered in June. Then a trial court vacation bench headed by Justice Nyay Bindu granted him regular bail which was stayed by Delhi High Court. That case is still pending in high court. Then he was granted interim bail by the Supreme Court again last week.
"Unfortunately for me, I am back to square one because of an insurance arrest. Because those who want it, by hook or by crook, and in this case more by crook than by hook, Kejriwal is behind bars," Singhvi said.
Singhvi asked what was the need for Kejriwal to be arrested by CBI when he was already sitting in jail. He further contended that the CBI arrested Kejriwal on the basis of material which had arisen six months back. He said Kejriwal is a sitting Chief Minister and not a terrorist that he cannot be granted bail.
"In my case, I am sitting in jail. You can interrogate me. You don't need to arrest me. This is an additional arrest, an insurance arrest, because this man shouldn't walk free," SInghvi said, arguing for Kejriwal in the high court.
The court is hearing today Kejriwal's bail plea. After Singhvi concludes his arguments, the CBI counsel will make their submissions.
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