In a significant development, the Supreme Court has announced that it will assess the possibility of granting interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. This decision comes in light of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls, where Mr. Kejriwal’s presence in the campaign trail is deemed crucial by his party, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
The bench overseeing this matter, comprised of Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Dipankar Datta, has scheduled a hearing for Tuesday, May 7, to deliberate on the interim bail plea. Both the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Mr. Kejriwal’s legal representatives have been instructed to prepare for this hearing.
Mr. Kejriwal’s arrest on March 21 stemmed from allegations related to irregularities in the now-defunct Delhi liquor policy. Despite multiple responses to summonses from the ED, he was taken into custody, joining other AAP leaders like Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh in facing charges in this corruption case. Notably, Mr. Singh, a Rajya Sabha MP, has already been granted bail.
During the recent proceedings, Senior Advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing Mr. Kejriwal, argued that there exists no concrete evidence against the Delhi Chief Minister, emphasizing that his arrest lacks legal merit. Singhvi pointed out that all the evidence presented dates back to before the end of 2023 and has been previously relied upon in Manish Sisodia’s case. He also highlighted the distinction between individual responsibility and organizational actions under Section 70 of the PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act).
On the other side, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, representing the central agency, defended the decision to arrest Mr. Kejriwal. Raju highlighted the judicial oversight involved in the process, including scrutiny by a special judge and the Delhi High Court.
The Supreme Court acknowledged the complexity of the case and the time it may require for thorough examination. However, given the electoral context, the bench expressed openness to considering interim bail for Mr. Kejriwal. Discussions on potential bail conditions are set to take place during the upcoming hearing.
This development underscores the intersection of legal proceedings and political activities, particularly during crucial election periods. The outcome of the Supreme Court’s decision will have ramifications not only for Mr. Kejriwal but also for the ongoing political landscape in Delhi and beyond.
Sources By Agencies
