The Delhi High Court intervened on Friday to suspend the bail granted to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the trial court in an alleged money laundering case related to the liquor policy scam. The decision comes in response to a plea filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), challenging the lower court’s order.
Special Judge Niyay Bindu of the Rouse Avenue Court had granted bail to Kejriwal on Thursday, asserting that there was no clear evidence establishing his guilt in the matter. The ED had accused Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of receiving kickbacks amounting to Rs 100 crore from the South Group, purportedly to manipulate Delhi’s liquor policy in favor of licensees, with funds allegedly diverted to the 2022 Goa assembly election campaign.
Judge Bindu’s order raised questions about the ED’s handling of the case, noting discrepancies in the evidence presented and the timing of Kejriwal’s arrest. She emphasized the principle of presumption of innocence until proven guilty, quoting Benjamin Franklin to underscore the importance of protecting the rights of the accused. The judge criticized the ED for what she deemed as delays and procedural irregularities in the investigation.
Following the high court’s stay on the bail, Kejriwal remains in judicial custody pending further legal proceedings. The case has sparked political controversy, with opposition parties calling for transparency and fairness in the investigation, while the AAP maintains its stance that the charges are politically motivated.
The ED’s plea before the Delhi High Court marks the latest twist in the ongoing legal battle, underscoring the complexities surrounding high-profile cases involving allegations of financial impropriety and misuse of official positions. The court’s decision to halt Kejriwal’s bail reflects the contentious nature of the accusations and the heightened scrutiny faced by public officials accused of misconduct.
The matter is set to continue evolving as both sides prepare for further legal arguments, with implications not only for Kejriwal and the AAP but also for broader perceptions of accountability and justice in India’s political landscape.
