New Delhi, May 10
The Supreme Court has issued an interim bail order for Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal until June 1 in connection to a money laundering case linked to the Delhi excise policy scam. This decision, handed down by a Bench comprising Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Dipankar Datta, mandates Kejriwal’s surrender on June 2, with a detailed order to follow.
The Solicitor General, Tushar Mehta, vehemently opposed the interim bail, citing the case of Amritpal Singh, who sought release to contest the Lok Sabha polls. Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, requested bail until June 5, but the bench declined.June 1 coincides with the final phase of the seven-phase elections, with vote counting slated for June 4. The court noted that reasons for the interim bail would be elucidated later.
Opposition from the Enforcement Directorate was met with the bench’s observation that the delay in Kejriwal’s arrest, despite the case being registered in August 2022, was significant. The bench also indicated that bail conditions would mirror those imposed on AAP leader Sanjay Singh in a related case.
Lawyer Shadan Farasat, representing Kejriwal, confirmed the court’s oral order, highlighting that no restrictions were placed on Kejriwal’s campaign speech during the interim period.The apex court will continue hearing Kejriwal’s plea challenging the Delhi High Court’s affirmation of his arrest in the case. The bench aims to conclude arguments before the summer recess starting May 20.
The case pertains to alleged corruption and money laundering in the formulation and execution of the Delhi government’s erstwhile excise policy for 2021-22.
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