New Delhi, May 7, 2024 — The Supreme Court has refused to grant immediate relief to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the excise policy-linked money laundering case. The court’s decision came after a series of hearings today.
During the proceedings, the Supreme Court made it clear that if interim bail is granted to Kejriwal, he cannot discharge his official duties as the Chief Minister of Delhi. This decision adds another layer of complexity to Kejriwal’s legal battle, as the court expressed concerns over the possibility of him functioning as CM while under bail.
The hearing attracted significant attention as it unfolded today. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) argued strongly against granting interim bail to Kejriwal, emphasizing that if he were to cooperate, he wouldn’t have been arrested in the first place.
The court’s decision not to grant immediate relief follows a string of similar refusals in recent days, with Kejriwal remaining in judicial custody in Tihar Jail since his arrest on March 21. The case revolves around allegations of corruption and money laundering related to the execution of Delhi’s now-defunct excise policy for 2021-22.
The court also questioned the ED over the delay in the probe and asked for case files before Kejriwal’s arrest. This move indicates the court’s intent to scrutinize the investigation thoroughly.
The legal battle has garnered attention not only from the legal community but also from the political sphere, especially with Lok Sabha elections underway. The court’s decisions regarding Kejriwal’s bail plea have potential ramifications on his political career and the ongoing election campaign.
While the Supreme Court hinted at considering interim bail due to the ongoing elections, it remained firm on not allowing Kejriwal to perform his official duties as CM if released on bail.
The case will continue to unfold, with the next hearing scheduled for May 9, as the legal and political landscapes intertwine around Arvind Kejriwal’s fate
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