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The Supreme Court of India is set to hear the bail plea of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the ongoing investigation into the alleged excise policy scam. Kejriwal, arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on June 26, has challenged his arrest and sought bail from the court. The case centers around allegations that Kejriwal, along with his party, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), manipulated the excise policy to benefit certain liquor licensees and generate illegal funds.
The CBI accuses Kejriwal of having a premeditated plan to privatize the excise policy, seeking financial backing for AAP in March 2021 while the policy was being drafted. The agency alleges that Vijay Nair, a close aide of Kejriwal overseeing AAP's media and communication, demanded bribes from stakeholders in exchange for favorable policy changes. The CBI claims that Kejriwal's actions were intended to benefit both himself and his party, and that his arrest was necessary to prevent him from influencing potential witnesses.
The Delhi High Court upheld Kejriwal's arrest in August, concluding that the CBI had presented sufficient evidence demonstrating his potential to influence witnesses. However, Kejriwal subsequently filed separate petitions in the Supreme Court challenging both the denial of bail and his arrest. The Supreme Court allowed the CBI to file its response to Kejriwal's petitions and granted him two days to file a rejoinder. The outcome of the hearing will determine whether Kejriwal remains in custody or is granted bail, potentially shaping the future of the investigation and the political landscape in Delhi.
The excise policy, introduced in 2021, aimed to modernize Delhi's liquor retail system. However, it was met with controversy and allegations of corruption. After a series of investigations by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the policy was scrapped in 2022. The CBI's allegations against Kejriwal and his close associates, if proven, could have significant ramifications for the AAP government and the future of the party in Delhi. The Supreme Court's decision is eagerly awaited by all parties involved, as it will have a major impact on the course of the investigation and the legal battle ahead.
The excise policy scam has become a major political controversy in India, with accusations and counter-accusations flying between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the AAP. The case is being closely watched by the public and political analysts alike, as it could have significant implications for the upcoming general elections in 2024. The Supreme Court's decision on Kejriwal's bail plea will be a crucial development in this unfolding political drama, potentially shaping the political landscape of the country in the years to come.