The Supreme Court of India declined to grant interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is currently under arrest in connection with the Delhi excise policy corruption case. A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan issued this ruling while hearing Kejriwal’s plea against the Delhi High Court’s decision, which had upheld his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
During the proceedings, Kejriwal’s legal counsel, senior advocate A M Singhvi, argued for a prompt hearing date, citing the Chief Minister’s health issues. Despite these arguments, the court refused to offer any interim relief and scheduled a hearing on Kejriwal’s plea for August 23.
Kejriwal’s arrest by the CBI has been a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the alleged irregularities in the Delhi excise policy. The Delhi High Court had previously ruled that the arrest was lawful, dismissing claims of malice by the investigating agency. The court emphasized that Kejriwal’s influence could potentially hinder the investigation by intimidating witnesses, justifying the CBI’s actions.
As the legal battle continues, the upcoming Supreme Court hearing will be a critical juncture for Kejriwal, who has faced mounting legal challenges since his arrest. The case has also raised broader questions about the conduct of public officials and the integrity of government policies.
The CBI’s investigation into the excise policy scandal has drawn significant attention, with allegations that the policy was manipulated for financial gains benefiting certain private entities. The arrest of a sitting Chief Minister has only intensified the scrutiny on the case, with political and public interest remaining high.
The outcome of the Supreme Court’s proceedings on August 23 could have far-reaching implications for both Kejriwal and the political landscape of Delhi, where his party, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), holds significant power.
This case continues to evolve, with each legal step being closely watched by the public and political observers alike.
Sources:
– The Times of India
– ETV Bharat
– India Today
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