In a significant development in the Delhi Excise Policy case, the Rouse Avenue court has extended Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s judicial custody until August 20. The extension was granted by Special Judge Kaveri Baweja, who heard the case via video conference from Tihar Jail where Kejriwal is currently detained.
The Central Bureau of Investigation had requested this extension, which follows the charge sheet filed against Kejriwal on July 29. Kejriwal, who was arrested by the CBI on June 26, was previously granted interim bail by the Supreme Court on July 12, and regular bail by a trial court on June 20.
Kejriwal’s legal troubles began with his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate-ED in a money laundering case in March. The trial court had granted bail in this case, but the decision is under challenge before the Delhi High Court.
In the ongoing Delhi Excise Policy case, the ED has also detained several others, including former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and BRS leader K Kavitha. On Wednesday, the ED requested the High Court to adjourn briefly to address its plea for cancelling Kejriwal’s bail. The High Court expressed confusion regarding the implications of such a move, questioning whether it would lead to Kejriwal’s re-arrest.
The court’s scrutiny aims to clarify the potential consequences of revoking bail and its impact on Kejriwal’s detention status.
