25-06-24 : On Tuesday, June 25th, 2024, Delhi High Court is set to deliver its verdict on the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) plea challenging the trial court’s order granting bail to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the Delhi Excise Policy case. This highly anticipated decision could have significant implications for Kejriwal’s political future and the ongoing investigation into the alleged liquor policy scam.
Kejriwal’s Bail and ED’s Challenge
On June 20th, 2024, Special Judge Niyay Bindu of Rouse Avenue Courts granted bail to Kejriwal, stating that prima facie, his guilt was yet to be established and that ED had failed to provide direct evidence linking him to the proceeds of crime. However, the very next day, ED filed an urgent petition in Delhi High Court, challenging this bail order.A single-judge vacation bench of High Court, comprising Justice Sudhir Kumar Jain, heard ED’s application and reserved its order, effectively putting Kejriwal’s release on hold until the verdict is announced. In its written submissions, ED argued that trial court had committed a “fatal error” by ignoring the “neck-deep involvement” of Kejriwal in the alleged scam.
Kejriwal’s Supreme Court Plea
Kejriwal subsequently moved Supreme Court, challenging Delhi High Court’s interim stay on his bail. However, the vacation bench of Justices Manoj Misra and SVN Bhatti refused to provide any immediate relief, stating that they would wait for the High Court’s detailed order before taking any action.The Supreme Court bench observed that it was “unusual” for High Court to reserve its order on a stay application, as such orders are typically pronounced on the same day. Kejriwal’s counsel, Senior Advocate A.M. Singhvi, argued that the stay order was “unprecedented” and that Kejriwal should not have been denied his personal liberty.
Implications of the Verdict
Delhi High Court’s verdict on Tuesday will be a crucial moment in this high-profile case. If High Court upholds Kejriwal’s bail, it would be a significant victory for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, allowing him to resume his political activities and campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.However, if High Court stays the trial court’s bail order, it would be a major setback for Kejriwal and could prolong his stay in Tihar Jail. ED has alleged that AAP was the major beneficiary of the proceeds of crime generated in the liquor scam, and that Kejriwal played a “vicarious role” in the money laundering case.
Conclusion
Delhi High Court’s verdict on Arvind Kejriwal’s bail will be closely watched by political observers and the general public alike. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching consequences for Kejriwal’s political career and the ongoing investigation into the Delhi Excise Policy scandal. As the nation awaits the High Court’s decision, the case continues to be a subject of intense scrutiny and debate.
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