The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has submitted its fifth and final charge sheet in the alleged Delhi Excise Policy scam case, alleging that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had a hand in the conspiracy from the beginning. According to the CBI, Kejriwal had a preconceived idea of privatization and demanded monetary support for his party in March 2021 when the policy was being formulated. He is also accused of appointing his close associate to demand illegal gratification from stakeholders. The AAP has denied the allegations, and Kejriwal's arrest is currently being challenged in the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court has reserved its order on Thursday (September 5, 2024) regarding the petitions filed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal seeking bail and quashing of arrest in the CBI case related to the Excise policy scam. Arguments were heard by the bench from both sides, with Kejriwal stating that the CBI did not arrest him for two years after the ED registered the case. Senior counsel Abhishek Singhvi also mentioned that no notice was served to Kejriwal before the arrest was made.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has put forth a strong argument before the Supreme Court, stating that granting bail to CM Arvind Kejriwal in the Delhi Excise Policy case would have a demoralizing effect on the Delhi High Court. The bench of judges seemed surprised by this submission and assured that they would make sure that nothing of this sort happens. The CBI's argument revolves around the fact that Kejriwal cannot ask for bail without submitting a copy of the chargesheet, which details his role in the case.
ASG and Justice Kant engaged in a heated discussion in court about the arrest of Pankaj Bansal, with ASG arguing that it was justified under Sections 41 and 41A, and Justice Kant questioning whether the arrest was traceable under any provisions of the Act. The debate also touched upon whether Section 41 was retrospective or prospective and the applicability of fundamental rights in this case. Both sides presented their arguments, citing past court orders and the Constitution Bench's ruling on warrants and arrests.
In a gesture of compassion, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met with the family of farmer Shubhkaran Singh and provided them with Rs 1 crore in compensation and a government job for his sister. In other news related to the state, a court in Delhi has taken cognisance of the Enforcement Directorate's chargesheet against Arvind Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party, while seven underage children have gone missing in Derabassi. Threats have also been issued to BJP leaders Manjinder Sirsa, Tejinder Singh Saran, Parminder Brar, and Srinivasulu.
BJP Delhi President Virendra Sachdeva criticized the Aam Aadmi Party for their alleged involvement in corruption, particularly in the recruitment of staff for the Delhi Waqf Board. Sachdeva emphasized the need for accountability in the face of legal action and the rule of law. The ED raid, which was conducted under the PMLA, comes after ongoing investigations into the illegal staff recruitment and misuse of funds at the Delhi Waqf Board. AAP leaders, including Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, have condemned the raid and accused the BJP and ED of attempting to suppress dissent.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi extended his birthday wishes to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and expressed his solidarity with the Aam Aadmi Party in their fight against injustice. Gandhi's statement comes amid growing tension between the central government and the AAP-led Delhi government. Kejriwal turned 56 on Friday, with the opposition leader emphasising the need for unity in the face of ongoing challenges.
Delhi Minister and senior AAP leader Atishi accused the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) of conspiring to keep Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in jail. At a press conference, she presented evidence of the conspiracy and questioned the CBI's motives, citing a recent hearing in the Supreme Court. She alleged that the CBI is deliberately trying to delay the hearing to keep Kejriwal in jail for longer.
In a major development, the Supreme Court has deferred the hearing on Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's bail plea in the excise policy case to September 5. The court has also asked the CBI to file a reply in another plea after two days, while the agency has accused Kejriwal of "politically sensationalizing" the case. Meanwhile, the AAP has launched a new campaign called "Kejriwal aayenge" ahead of the 2025 Assembly elections. The party believes that the CM's release will lead to the completion of stalled works and speedy resolution of pending problems.
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