Arvind Kejriwal’s Judicial Custody Extended Until August 27 in Excise Policy Case

In connection to the alleged excise policy scam, a city court extended judicial custody of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal till August 27.

Kejriwal was produced virtually before Special Judge Kaveri Baweja of the Rouse Avenue Court from Tihar Jail after the end of his previous custody period.

Last week, the Supreme Court rejected Kejriwal's appeal for interim bail in the Central Bureau of Investigation's case related to the excise policy scam. It had issued a notice on the plea of Kejriwal against his arrest and separate pleading for seeking bail. Justices Surya Kant asked for a response from the central investigative agency and the matter was listed for further hearing on August 23.

In his special leave petition before the Supreme Court, Kejriwal challenged his arrest and subsequent remand orders, and also sought bail. He appealed against the August 5 order of the Delhi High Court, in which his arrest and subsequent remand order were supported on consideration of "evidently enough evidence" submitted by the CBI.

Ruling in the case, the Delhi High Court had advised Mr. Kejriwal to approach the trial court for seeking interim bail. A court is yet to pronounce its decision on Kejriwal's bail plea in the CBI case. In the excise policy case, the CBI had filed its charge sheet against Kejriwal and other accused before the special court on July 29. The prosecution in the money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate names Kejriwal and his party as accused.