Security has been significantly intensified at Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court as Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal, currently held in Tihar Jail, is set to be produced before the court on June 26, in connection with the controversial liquor policy case. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will present the embattled leader at 10 AM, ahead of a crucial Supreme Court hearing concerning his bail.
The case against Kejriwal stems from allegations of irregularities and corruption in the Delhi government’s liquor policy. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested him on March 21, 2024, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The arrest was part of a larger probe into the policy, which critics claim favored certain private entities at the expense of public interest.
Kejriwal’s legal battle has been intense and multi-faceted. On June 20, a Delhi court granted him bail, citing insufficient grounds for continued detention. He was ordered to be released on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh. However, the ED swiftly challenged this decision, leading the Delhi High Court to pause the release order the following day, even before the bail order was officially issued.
The High Court reserved its final decision on the matter for June 25, prompting Kejriwal’s legal team to approach the Supreme Court. The apex court, while acknowledging the urgency, advised Kejriwal to await the High Court’s detailed order but scheduled a hearing for June 26 to address his plea.
Today, the Supreme Court will hear Kejriwal’s plea challenging the Delhi High Court’s interim stay on his bail. The AAP leader’s legal team argues that the High Court’s stay was “unusual” and that the trial court’s decision to grant bail was justified. The Supreme Court’s decision is crucial, as it will determine whether Kejriwal can secure his release or remain in custody.
The CBI, which has been investigating the liquor policy case alongside the ED, questioned Kejriwal in Tihar Jail on June 24, and recorded his statement. On June 25, the agency filed an application before a special court seeking a production warrant for Kejriwal. The court issued the warrant, and the CBI is now expected to seek his custody during today’s proceedings.
Sources suggest that the CBI may formally arrest Kejriwal if granted custody, complicating his chances of release even if the Supreme Court rules in his favor regarding the High Court’s stay on his bail.
Given the high-profile nature of the case and the heightened tensions, security at the Rouse Avenue Court has been substantially increased. Additional police forces have been deployed, and stringent checks are being conducted to ensure order during Kejriwal’s production in court.
