The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi has ordered Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to 14 days of judicial custody on charges related to alleged irregularities in the 2021-22 excise policy. This decision follows after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) chose not to extend his police remand. Judge Sunena Sharma issued the order, stating that judicial custody was required following the expiration of police remand. Details of the case can be viewed on the Rouse Avenue Court website and the CBI official portal.
Kejriwal had previously been granted bail by the trial court on June 20, but an interim stay was placed by the Delhi High Court the next day. The stay was later affirmed on June 25, and Kejriwal was subsequently ordered to three days of CBI custody on June 26. Detailed records of the bail and interim stay can be accessed in the Delhi High Court’s order documentation.
His detainment by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 22 involved allegations of money laundering, corruption, and mismanagement in implementing the New Delhi Excise Policy. Investigations suggest that the policy offered undue advantages to private dealers, leading to monetary gains for party officials. More information regarding these allegations and the policy can be found on the Delhi Excise Department website and the Enforcement Directorate’s portal.
Initially enacted in November 2021, the New Delhi Excise Policy aimed to boost state revenue and address the counterfeit alcohol issue. However, it was withdrawn in September 2022 following multiple accusations against the ruling Aam Aadmi Party, including bribery and favoritism allegations.
More information regarding the court’s decision can be accessed on the Jurist website.