Supreme Court granted Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal interim bail till June 1 in an excise policy case.
On May 10, the Supreme Court granted Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal temporary release until June 1 in a money laundering case connected to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam. He must surrender to prison authorities by June 2.
Justices Khanna and Dipankar Datta, who formed the Bench, mentioned they would soon issue a detailed order on this matter.
They also pointed out that it wouldn’t be right for the Chief Minister to continue official duties or sign documents if he got a temporary release. Justice Khanna said this could have serious consequences.
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) opposed giving Kejriwal any temporary relief. They argued that if politicians facing charges are let out for campaigning, it would be like giving them a free pass to commit crimes year-round since elections happen frequently in India.
The AAP responded to ED’s arguments, stating they lodged a complaint with the Supreme Court’s registry because they believe the affidavit disregards legal procedures. They noted that the matter is already set for a final decision in the top court on Friday.
Arvind Kejriwal was arrested on March 21, shortly after the Model Code of Conduct for the general election was announced on March 16. He’s currently in Tihar jail on his sixth remand, scheduled until May 20.
