Justice Manoj Jain to hear CBI’s plea against Kejriwal’s release in excise policy case on May 19

AAP National Organizer Arvind Kejriwal. File | Photo credit: Shashi Shekhar Kashyap

Justice Manoj Jain of the Delhi High Court will now hear the CBI’s appeal for the release of former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and other accused in the Delhi Excise Policy case.

The matter is scheduled for Tuesday (May 19, 2026).

The case was previously heard by a different panel, which later ordered that the matter be referred to the Chief Justice for reassignment based on subsequent developments during the proceedings.

The CBI has challenged the court order to release Mr. Kejriwal and others in connection with alleged irregularities in the formulation and implementation of the excise policy in Delhi.

Meanwhile, a separate criminal contempt proceeding arising out of the matter has reportedly been assigned to a division bench comprising Justice Navin Chawla and Justice Ravinder Dudej.

During previous hearings, the Supreme Court made observations regarding public statements, social media posts and the distribution of edited video clips related to the case and trial.

The court also noted that criticism of court orders must remain within constitutional and statutory limits and that remedies against court orders are available through appeals to higher courts.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Additional Solicitor General SV Raju appeared in the matter, supporting the continuation of proceedings on the CBI’s objection.

After the reassignment, the excise matter will now be heard by Justice Manoj Jain in the Delhi High Court tomorrow.

Published – 18 May 2026 18:13 IST