In a significant development related to the controversial Delhi excise policy, a court in Delhi has extended the judicial custody of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his former deputy Manish Sisodia, BRS legislator K Kavitha, and other accused individuals. The Rouse Avenue Court’s order, which applies to investigations by both the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), has extended the custody until August 13 for the ED case and August 9 for the CBI case.
Background and Arrests
The case revolves around allegations of corruption and irregularities in the now-scrapped excise policy implemented in the national capital. The policy, which aimed to streamline the liquor distribution system and increase government revenue, has been under intense scrutiny following accusations of favoritism and bribery.
Manish Sisodia, a senior leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led by Kejriwal, was first arrested by the CBI on February 26, 2023. He was later taken into custody by the ED on March 29, 2023, in connection with the money laundering aspect of the case. K Kavitha, a prominent legislator from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), was arrested by the ED on March 15, 2023. Arvind Kejriwal, the sitting Chief Minister of Delhi, was arrested on March 21, 2023, after evading nine summonses.
Legal Proceedings and Extensions
On May 10, 2023, the Supreme Court granted interim bail to Kejriwal, allowing him to campaign for the Lok Sabha elections. This bail, however, was conditional and did not absolve him from the ongoing investigations. Kejriwal surrendered to the authorities on June 1, 2023, as directed by the apex court. Despite receiving interim bail again on July 12, 2023, he remains behind bars due to the ongoing CBI case.
The recent extension of judicial custody was deemed necessary by the court to allow further investigation and ensure a thorough examination of the evidence and testimonies. If the custody had not been extended, it would have ended on July 31, 2024.
Allegations and Charges
The CBI has labeled Kejriwal as the ‘sutradhar’ (facilitator) of the alleged excise policy scam. The agency’s fifth and final charge sheet details the accusations against him, Sisodia, Kavitha, and other involved parties. The charge sheet alleges that Kejriwal played a central role in orchestrating the corrupt practices associated with the excise policy, including accepting bribes and manipulating policy decisions for personal and political gains.
Both Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party have vehemently denied the charges, describing them as a political vendetta orchestrated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre. They argue that the investigations are politically motivated and aimed at discrediting the AAP leadership.
Political Implications
The ongoing judicial proceedings and the extension of custody have significant political implications. Kejriwal, a prominent political figure and leader of the AAP, has maintained a strong stance against corruption and has often criticized the BJP-led central government. The current situation has sparked a debate on the political motivations behind the investigations and the impact on Kejriwal’s political career and the AAP’s future.
The AAP has continued to rally behind Kejriwal, asserting that the charges are baseless and part of a broader strategy to undermine the party’s influence. Supporters of the AAP have organized protests and demonstrations, demanding the release of Kejriwal and other accused individuals and calling for a fair and impartial investigation
Public Reaction
The public reaction to the case has been mixed. While some view the investigations as a necessary step to address corruption and ensure accountability, others see it as a politically charged move aimed at weakening the opposition. The extension of judicial custody has intensified the debate, with opinions divided along political lines.