Arvind Kejriwal Moves Delhi HC Against CBI Arrest In Delhi Liquor Policy Case

Last week, a Delhi Court while upholding Arvind Kejriwal's arrest by the CBI observed that his arrest was not illegal. However, the court said that the CBI should not be "over zealous"

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday moved the Delhi High Court challenging his arrest as well as Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) remand in the corruption case related to the Delhi liquor policy case. Along with arrest by the CBI, Kejriwal has challenged the the trial court order granting his custody to CBI.

Last week, a Delhi Court while upholding that the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the liquor policy case, observed that his arrest was not illegal. However, the court said that the CBI should not be "over zealous" in its approach.

Vacation judge Amitabh Rawat of Rouse Avenue Courts upheld CBI's arrest and said that investigation is the prerogative of the investigating agency.

"There are certain safeguards provided in the law and at this stage, on the material on record, it cannot be said that the arrest is illegal. The agency, however, should not be over zealous," the judge remarked. However, he clarified that the custody has been granted for only three days and Arvind Kejriwal should be produced on June 29, before 07 PM.

"In view of the factum of the investigation leading to the arrest of the accused, the role ascribed to him and the necessity to confront the accused with the evidence in the present case of conspiracy, the present police remand application of the accused is allowed. However, it shall be for a period of three days from today. Accused Arvind Kejriwal be produced on 29.06.2024 before 07 PM," the trial court ordered.

Today, the Delhi CM has moved against this order in high court.

While allowing CBI's request the court also said that the timing of Kejriwal's arrest may be circumspect but it is not the clear criterian for declaring an arrest illegal the court said.

The CBI told the court that custodial interrogation of Kejriwal was required for confronting him with the evidence to unearth the larger conspiracy hatched among the accused/suspect persons regarding formulation and implementation of the Excise Policy.

The CBI has claimed that the entire policy was changed with manipulation at the behest of Arvind Kejriwal and thus his custodial interrogation is imperative for the investigation to reach its logical conclusion.