CBI Approaches Delhi High Court Against Discharge of Arvind Kejriwal

Trial Court Questions Investigative Lapses

A special trial court turned all individuals conjoined with the case free on 27 February. Some of those cleared included prominent political parties, including Kejriwal, Sisodia, and K. Kavitha. The trial judge made the latest news today concerning the investigating agency, as there were harsh omissions in conducting the investigation.

As per the order, there were many gaps in the large charge sheet that the CBI had filed. The judge found out that these claims were not supported by credible witnesses or definite statements. In addition, the court observed that the agency did not prove a prima facie case against Sisodia. It further documented that Kejriwal was involved without significant material evidence. The fact that the number of documents was quite large did not balance the lack of conclusive evidence.

CBI Challenges the Discharge Order

The CBI immediately appealed against the decision of the trial court. When it petitioned the Delhi High Court, the central probe agency contended that the trial judge did not take into consideration important aspects in the investigation. The agency argues that the evidence and material provided were not reviewed properly.

This was the controversial excise policy of the Delhi government in the year 202122. This structure was launched by the administration to generate more money and reshape the liquor trade in the city by privatizing it entirely. The policy was, however, abolished after it was accused of massive irregularities. The matter was later referred to the CBI by the Lieutenant-Governor Vinay Kumar Saxena, who ordered the agency to carry out an investigation into the case. The CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) subsequently claimed that the policy gave unnecessary favors to the private businesses to the disadvantage of the public exchequer.

Opposition Leaders Criticize Central Agencies

The ruling of the trial court has attracted enormous responses among political leaders in the country. The discharge was welcomed by the president of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti. She said that the launching of the AAP leaders was a comprehensive revelation of the arbitrariness of investigative agencies.

On social media, even the former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister noted that justice is the first casualty when agencies are used as political weapons. She stressed that the accused was to spend several years behind bars, even though there was no prima facie case or plausible evidence. Mufti cautioned against the misuse of authority and the weaponisation of the state organs further.

Equally, Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) celebrated the court verdict. AIP spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said that the verdict brings back confidence to the judiciary. He observed that political cases tend to fail when they are looked at by an independent court. Nabi also added that the verdict makes the truth triumph even when justice is lost.

Timeline of Arrests and Incarceration

The release is a relief to leaders who have spent much time in jail. Manish Sisodia was first arrested by the CBI on 26 February 2023. He was soon afterwards arrested and spent approximately 530 days in jail by the ED. The agencies charged him with making executive decisions that were not competently approved to favour some licensees.

Though under ED custody on a related money-laundering investigation, Arvind Kejriwal was officially arrested by the CBI on 26 June 2024. During two spurts, he was in jail for some 156 days. In September 2024, he was eventually given bail by the Supreme Court. All the accused being suddenly released has shifted the court battle now to the Delhi High Court, where the legality of the investigation will be questioned afresh.

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