'Don't Be Overzealous': Delhi Court Cautions CBI As It Grants 3-Day Custody Of Arvind Kejriwal
'don't be overzealous': delhi court cautions cbi as it grants 3-day custody of arvind kejriwal
New Delhi: A Delhi Court on Wednesday granted the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) the custody of AAP Convenor Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the liquor policy scam. While granting CBI a three-day custody instead of five, the court warned the probe agency that it should not be "overzealous".
The special court admitted that at present with the material record presented against Kejriwal, his arrest cannot be called illegal.
"In view of the factum of the investigation leading to the arrest of the accused, the role ascribed to him and the necessity to confront the accused with the evidence in the present case of conspiracy, the present police remand application of the accused is allowed. However, it shall be for a period of three days from today. Accused Arvind Kejriwal be produced on June 29, 2024 before 7 pm," the judge said.
"The timing may be circumspect but it is not the clear criterion for declaring an arrest illegal," Special Judge Amitabh Rawat said refusing to declare the arrest illegal, as sought by the defence counsel .
"Investigation is the prerogative of the investigating agency, however, there are certain safeguards provided in the law and at this stage, on the material on record, it cannot be said that the arrest is illegal. The agency, however, should not be overzealous," the judge said.
He further directed that "Kejriwal be medically examined immediately and thereafter, in terms of the guidelines of the Supreme Court".
The judge granted permission for Kejriwal to meet his wife and lawyers for one hour daily while he remains in CBI custody. This decision came after the CBI sought his arrest following his appearance in court from Tihar jail, where he was under judicial custody in a money-laundering case linked to an excise "scam" investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Kejriwal will stay in CBI custody until the agency concludes its questioning in the corruption case, which can last up to 15 days. If he doesn't obtain bail in both the CBI and ED cases, he will return to judicial custody after his current police remand ends.
Earlier, the court had extended Kejriwal's judicial custody in the money-laundering case until July 3. In its application for custody, the CBI informed the court that Kejriwal's interrogation was crucial to uncovering a broader conspiracy. They stated the need to confront him with other suspects and evidence related to the case.
During the court proceedings, Kejriwal maintained his innocence.