‘Must Show It’s an Uncaged Parrot’: Supreme Court on CBI During Kejriwal Bail Hearing

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday made sharp remarks regarding the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case.

The court emphasised that the agency must prove it is no longer a “caged parrot” under government influence.

Granting bail to Kejriwal, who has been in custody since March 11, Justice Ujjal Bhuyan questioned the urgency behind his arrest. He noted that the CBI had not taken any action for 22 months before making the arrest, especially when Kejriwal was on the verge of securing bail in a related Enforcement Directorate (ED) case.

Justice Bhuyan stated, “The CBI must dispel the notion of being a caged parrot and show it is an uncaged parrot.” He further criticised the agency for its inability to justify Kejriwal’s arrest and continued detention based on his alleged evasive responses during questioning.

The court highlighted that non-cooperation by the accused does not imply self-incrimination. It also observed that the CBI’s actions seemed intended to prevent Kejriwal’s release in the ED case.

While granting bail, the court imposed several conditions on Kejriwal, including refraining from making public statements on the case’s merits. Additionally, he is barred from entering the Chief Minister’s office or signing official documents.