Delhi HC Issues Notice In Kejriwal's Bail Plea In CBI Case; Lists For Hearing On July 17

The Delhi High Court has issued notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Arvind Kejriwal's Bail Plea in a corruption case related to the alleged Delhi Excise Policy scam. 

The Bench of Justice Neena Bansal Krishna sought CBI's reply and scheduled the matter for hearing on July 17. 

During the hearing today, Senior Advocates Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Vikram Chaudhri, and N. Hariharan appeared for Kejriwal. 

At the outset, Singhvi contended, "Apart from all legalities, etc., this is not a Section 45 matter. This is not a case where there can be any remotest allegation of the triple test being touched even forget even violated. Can't be flight risk, can't be roots in society, can't be non-cooperation, can't be influential, so on what grounds?" He informed the Court that four people have got bail in the same case. 

Singhvi also argued that Kejriwal is already in custody in the same case and was arrested only after he was granted bail by Trial Court in the ED case. "I am pressing for some interim relief," he contended. 

Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) D.P. Singh for CBI opposed the bail plea and argued that they should first approach the Trial Court. He also informed the Court that CBI has filed four chargesheets and there is evidence linking Kejriwal to this case. 

"They have filed a legal writ which is coming for hearing on July 17, grounds are almost identical; all the thing is that they are urging here is there (in the writ petition) also," the SPP submitted. 

Taking note of the submissions, the Court issued notice to CBI and sought its reply on the bail plea. The matter is scheduled for hearing on July 17. 

On July 2, Kejriwal had also challenged his arrest and subsequent remand by the agency. The Court had issued notice and directed the CBI to respond to the plea in 7 days. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on July 17.

Pertinently, Kejriwal was arrested by the CBI on June 23 from Tihar Jail, where he was already in judicial custody till July 3 in a PMLA case related to an excise policy scam. Initially, the AAP National convenor was remanded 3-day CBI remand by a Trial Court order dated June 26. Thereafter, Kejriwal has been sent to 14-day judicial custody, i.e. till July 12.