New Delhi: The Delhi High Court is set to deliver a crucial verdict tomorrow, Wednesday, on the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) petition against the bail granted to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The case revolves around a money laundering investigation related to the Delhi excise policy.
High Court Suspends Trial Court’s Bail Order
In a significant development, the Delhi High Court has suspended the trial court’s order granting bail to Arvind Kejriwal. The High Court’s decision came in response to the ED’s plea seeking a stay on the bail order. As a result, Kejriwal, who the ED arrested on March 21, will continue to remain in Tihar Jail until the High Court pronounces its final judgment.
Supreme Court Declines Relief
Adding to Kejriwal’s legal woes, the Supreme Court has also declined to lift the interim stay on his bail. The apex court has postponed the hearing on Kejriwal’s petition until Wednesday. During the hearing, the Supreme Court emphasized the need to await the Delhi High Court’s decision before making any further pronouncements.
ED’s Arguments and Kejriwal’s Response
The Additional Solicitor General S V Raju, representing the ED, argued that the bail order was “totally perverse” and contrary to the provisions of Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Raju contended that the public prosecutor should have been given a full opportunity to oppose Kejriwal’s bail plea, and the court should have satisfied itself that there were reasonable grounds to believe that Kejriwal was not guilty of the offense. The High Court bench has reserved its order on the stay application, allowing both parties to submit written arguments by June 24.
Kejriwal’s Surrender and Interim Relief
During the Lok Sabha elections, the Supreme Court granted Kejriwal interim bail for his election campaign. However, he later surrendered as per the court order on June 2. Now, all eyes are on the Delhi High Court’s verdict, which will determine whether Kejriwal remains behind bars or secures bail in the ongoing investigation.
