Delhi High Court reserves judgment on Arvind Kejriwal's plea against his arrest by CBI

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday reserved its judgment on the plea filed by jailed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, challenging his arrest and remand by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the excise policy case. The court also reserved its decision on Kejriwal’s request for interim bail.

Special Public Prosecutor DP Singh, representing the CBI, argued that Kejriwal should not use the 21-day interim relief granted by the Supreme Court for his benefit, as it was intended solely for the Lok Sabha elections.

In court, the CBI counsel contended that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor could not rely on the trial court's June 20 order that granted him bail in a money laundering case, noting that the Delhi High Court had stayed that order through a 30-page "reasoned" order.

Singh stated that the CBI has the authority to arrest an individual based on “mere suspicion” and had “probable reasons” to arrest Kejriwal at the time. He emphasized, “CrPC permits arrest for the purpose of investigation. Kejriwal’s arrest was necessary because his custodial interrogation had become necessary.”

Singh claimed the CBI possessed “sufficient material” to demonstrate that Kejriwal had the potential to influence and derail the investigation. He added that the CBI is nearing the completion of its probe and has a “reasonable apprehension” that Kejriwal might influence witnesses if released.

The CBI counsel argued that Kejriwal should seek bail from the trial court first, stating, "The bench should have the advantage of the reasons by the trial court. That court is already hearing arguments on the charges and should address the bail issue first. I will not argue on the bail.”

Arvind Kejriwal's Defense

Kejriwal’s counsel, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, described the CBI’s position as a ‘delaying tactic,’ arguing that the agency had not provided any valid reason for why the court should not hear the CM’s bail plea.

Singhvi contended that the latest significant evidence the CBI had against the AAP leader was from January 2024. He stated, “The probe agency has not collected any new evidence since January 2024, and now the CBI has presented a new document dated June 13, which has not been used anywhere. Can you bring any new document post the arrest?”

Singhvi further argued, “You did not produce it when you issued the 41A notice. Where is this? You cannot just state it orally in court. Based on the entire material, there is NOTHING NEW to justify Kejriwal’s arrest.”