Delhi’s court recently granted bail to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a case involving alleged money laundering linked to an old excise policy that has since been scrapped.
As part of the conditions for bail, Kejriwal must not interfere with the investigation or influence any witnesses.
The Enforcement Directorate had asked for 48 hours to verify the bail bonds before potentially appealing the decision, but Judge Bindu confirmed there was no injunction against the bail order.
Kejriwal’s legal team can file the bail bond application tomorrow before the relevant judge, the court clarified.
Responding to the decision, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, a senior AAP leader, expressed confidence in the judicial process.
Delhi Court Grants Bail to Arvind Kejriwal
Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court granted bail to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a money laundering case related to a revoked liquor policy. The decision came from Judge Nyay Bindu during a vacation session after holding back earlier.
Following the ruling, the ED asked for 48 hours to pursue legal options, but the judge declined to delay the bail order.
The ED plans to contest this decision at the Delhi High Court. Kejriwal, the AAP leader, is expected to leave Tihar Jail on Friday after posting a bail bond of Rs 1 lakh.
Celebrations erupted among AAP supporters outside Kejriwal’s residence upon hearing the news. AAP’s Sanjay Singh commented that Kejriwal’s release would uphold democratic values.
Sanjay Singh criticized the ED, calling the case against Kejriwal fabricated and motivated by falsehoods. This marks the second bail granted to an AAP leader in the case, while Manish Sisodia remains in Tihar Jail.
Earlier, Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21 amid high political drama before the Lok Sabha elections. He had been granted temporary bail by the Supreme Court in May during the election period and later surrendered on June 2.
Also Read: Arvind Kejriwal Sent to Judicial Custody Until June 5 After Surrender at Tihar
ED and Team Kejriwal Argument in Court
During the hearing, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) presented evidence alleging that Arvind Kejriwal asked for Rs 100 crore in kickbacks related to the liquor policy. They also accused him of using kickbacks from liquor sellers to finance AAP’s campaign in Goa.
SV Raju, Additional Solicitor General, stated there was a clear money trail showing funds from the South Group, which includes BRS leader K Kavitha, being transferred to AAP.
Raju also mentioned that during the investigation, Kejriwal refused to provide the password for his phone, stating, “My phone is sacrosanct. Mai password nahi dunga.” Instead, investigators accessed Vinod Chauhan’s phone, who is involved in the case.
Raju further alleged that Vinod Chauhan managed the transfers and postings of officials in the Delhi government.
Kejriwal’s Legal Defense Challenges
Kejriwal’s lawyer, Vikram Chaudhary, argued that the ED’s accusations lacked evidence and criticized their claims. He highlighted that Kejriwal hasn’t been implicated in any PMLA chargesheet. Chaudhary questioned the independence of the ED, suggesting it might be influenced by political agendas, rather than factual findings.
He refuted the notion that Kejriwal is accountable for AAP’s actions solely because he’s its national convenor, asserting there’s no proof AAP received Rs 45 crore. Chaudhary criticized the ED for making unsubstantiated claims of a Rs 100 crore bribe while still in the process of investigation.
Also Read: Arvind Kejriwal Set to Return to Tihar Jail Tomorrow as Court Denies Relief
Delhi Court Grants Bail to Arvind Kejriwal FAQs
Q.1. What was Arvind Kejriwal’s bail related to?
Ans. He was granted bail in a money laundering case tied to an old liquor policy that was later scrapped.
Q.2. What conditions were attached to Kejriwal’s bail?
Ans. He must refrain from interfering with the investigation and influencing witnesses.
Q.3. Who granted bail to Arvind Kejriwal?
Ans. The bail was granted by Judge Nyay Bindu at Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court.
Q.4. What is the Enforcement Directorate’s response to the bail?
Ans. They sought 48 hours to verify the bail bonds but did not succeed in delaying the bail order.
Q.5. What are AAP’s leaders’ reactions to the bail decision?
Ans. AAP leaders, including Bhagwant Mann and Sanjay Singh, expressed confidence in the judicial process and criticized the ED’s allegations as unfounded.
