Kejriwal's plea argued that the charges against him were politically motivated and lacked substantial evidence. However, the bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan did not grant any relief, emphasizing the need for a detailed examination of the case. The CBI had earlier accused Kejriwal of being involved in irregularities linked to the formulation and implementation of the now-scrapped excise policy, which allegedly led to significant financial losses for the state.
The case has been a point of contention, with the opposition parties alleging that the excise policy was designed to benefit a select few, leading to widespread corruption. The CBI's investigation, initiated last year, has seen several high-ranking officials and politicians being questioned and arrested, with Kejriwal's arrest being the most significant development so far.
This legal battle has further intensified the political tensions in Delhi, with Kejriwal’s party, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), accusing the central government of misusing investigative agencies to target opposition leaders. The case continues to be closely watched, given its potential impact on the political landscape ahead of upcoming elections.
As the proceedings move forward, the Supreme Court's notice to the CBI requires the agency to justify its stance on Kejriwal's involvement and the necessity of his continued detention. The next hearing is expected to delve deeper into the specifics of the charges and the evidence presented by the CBI.
This case underscores the ongoing tussle between state and central authorities, with broader implications for the governance and political dynamics in the country. The developments in this case will likely have far-reaching consequences, not just for Kejriwal but for the larger political environment in India.