CBI Moves to Pre-empt Kejriwal's Supreme Court Appeal in Excise Policy Case

The CBI has filed caveat applications in the Supreme Court concerning Arvind Kejriwal's and Manish Sisodia's petitions challenging the Delhi High Court's decisions in the excise policy case. The caveats aim to ensure that the Supreme Court hears the CBI before making any orders, amidst procedural delays in listing the petitions.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has lodged three caveat applications with the Supreme Court following Special Leave Petitions (SLPs) filed by former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia, among others. These petitions challenge the Delhi High Court's rulings in the excise policy case.

The caveats are a strategic move to guarantee that the Supreme Court does not issue any orders without first hearing the CBI's arguments. Typically, such applications are filed to allow a party to present its side before any interim directions are potentially issued by the court.

Currently, the SLPs are marked as "under defect" on the Supreme Court's website, indicating that some procedural requirements have yet to be fulfilled before formal listing. Kejriwal, Sisodia, and co-accused are seeking a transfer of proceedings from the current judge, citing concerns over prior remarks that could impact fair hearing prospects.

(With inputs from agencies.)