‘Cockroach Janta Party’s X account stays blocked’: Delhi HC denies immediate restoration, sends CJP’s plea for review
The High Court granted four weeks for the Centre to file a detailed affidavit responding to the allegations raised in the petition.
The Delhi High Court on Monday granted time to Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and other accused to file their responses to a plea filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) challenging their discharge in the alleged Delhi excise policy corruption case.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma directed the respondents to submit their replies by April 5, and scheduled the next hearing for April 6. The court also said the existing interim order in the matter will continue until the next hearing.
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The high court was hearing the CBI’s petition against a trial court order that discharged Kejriwal, Sisodia, and others in the corruption case linked to the alleged irregularities in the Delhi government’s excise policy. At the start of the hearing, the court asked whether the respondents were seeking time to file their replies.
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Kejriwal Moves Supreme Court
During the proceedings, senior advocate N Hariharan, appearing for Kejriwal, informed the court that the AAP leader had approached the Supreme Court of India by filing a Special Leave Petition (SLP). The petition challenges a previous order of the Delhi High Court that had stayed certain remarks made by the trial court against a CBI official.
Hariharan also told the court that Kejriwal had filed both an SLP and a writ petition challenging the High Court’s rejection of his request to transfer the CBI’s plea to another bench.
CBI Opposes Delay
Representing the CBI, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the respondents had the right to challenge the high court’s order in the Supreme Court. However, he argued that this should not be used as a ground to delay proceedings in the High Court.
Mehta also urged that if the Supreme Court petition was being cited as a reason for adjournment, the respondents should ensure that it is listed for hearing this week.
He further objected to the trial court’s order, stating that the CBI strongly disagreed with the findings and that the order should not remain on record longer than necessary.
Next Hearing on April 6
After hearing the submissions, the court allowed the respondents time to file their replies and listed the matter for hearing on April 6, while continuing the interim order in the case.
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