Excise Policy Scam: SC Reserves Order On Kejriwal’s Pleas For Bail

The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its decision on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s pleas for bail and his challenge against his arrest by the CBI in the alleged excise policy scam.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan heard arguments from Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju, representing the CBI, and senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing Kejriwal. After the discussions, the bench stated, “Thank you for the assistance. Judgment reserved.”

Kejriwal’s two petitions challenge both the denial of bail and his arrest by the CBI. The AAP leader was arrested by the CBI on June 26.

Earlier, on August 5, the Delhi High Court upheld his arrest, finding no malice in the CBI’s actions. The court noted that the agency demonstrated how Kejriwal could influence witnesses, who only felt secure to testify after his arrest.

The excise policy in question was scrapped in 2022 after the Delhi lieutenant governor ordered a CBI investigation into alleged corruption and irregularities in its creation and implementation. The CBI and ED allege that modifications to the policy led to unfair benefits for license holders.

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