The Supreme Court is set to deliver its verdict on the interim bail plea of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a money laundering case associated with an alleged excise policy scam on May 10. Justice Sanjiv Khanna, heading the bench, mentioned during proceedings that the interim order will be announced on Friday. Kejriwal, arrested on March 21 and currently held in Tihar Jail, has been seeking relief to campaign for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.
The bench, after hearing arguments from Kejriwal’s counsel Abhishek Singhvi and Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju representing the Enforcement Directorate, had reserved its verdict on May 7. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, opposing interim bail, argued against leniency, asserting it would set a precedent for politicians.
The court bifurcated Kejriwal’s plea into two aspects: challenging his arrest by the ED and seeking interim bail. The latter, crucial amidst the elections, awaits the court’s decision. Kejriwal’s main petition contests the legality of his arrest.
Meanwhile, a Delhi court extended his judicial custody till May 20. The Delhi High Court previously upheld his arrest, stating it was warranted due to his non-cooperation with the investigation into alleged corruption and money laundering related to the scrapped excise policy.
During the proceedings, the Supreme Court hinted at considering the unique circumstances, acknowledging Kejriwal’s status as an elected Chief Minister during elections. Noting his non-repeat offending history, the court contemplated granting interim bail.
Kejriwal had approached the Supreme Court after his plea was rejected by the Delhi High Court on April 9. Initially remanded to six days of ED custody by a trial court on March 22, Kejriwal’s legal battle now awaits the apex court’s verdict on his plea for interim relief amidst the ongoing legal proceedings.
