The Delhi High Court is expected to announce its decision today regarding the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) request to halt the bail granted to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a liquor scam case. The trial court granted Kejriwal bail, but the ED opposes this decision and has submitted written arguments to the High Court.
On Monday, the ED filed documents arguing against any relief for Kejriwal in the Excise Policy money laundering case. The ED described the trial court’s decision to grant bail as illegal and perverse. They claim that the vacation judge, who issued the bail order, made several incorrect findings without fully reviewing the evidence presented by the prosecution.
The ED also pointed out that the vacation judge did not consider new evidence gathered after 2023. This new evidence includes statements from 13 Angariyas, Goa AAP workers, and AAP office bearers.
The ED argued that their lack of sufficient opportunity to present their case violates Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. This section outlines specific conditions that must be met for granting bail in money laundering cases.
On Monday, the Supreme Court postponed the hearing on Kejriwal’s appeal against the Delhi High Court’s interim stay on his bail. The vacation bench of Justices Manoj Misra and SVN Bhatti noted that the High Court’s decision to grant an interim stay without a final order was unusual. They remarked that in such matters, decisions are typically made immediately. The Supreme Court scheduled the next hearing for June 26.
On June 21, the Delhi High Court issued an interim stay on the bail granted to Kejriwal by the trial court. The High Court reserved its final decision and instructed both parties to submit their written arguments by Monday. Kejriwal then appealed to the Supreme Court against this interim stay.
Following the trial court’s decision to grant bail on June 20, the ED urgently petitioned the High Court to challenge the bail order. The High Court listened to extensive arguments from both sides before reserving its decision and halting Kejriwal’s release until the final order is pronounced.
The High Court’s decision today will be a significant development in the ongoing legal battle surrounding the Delhi Chief Minister’s involvement in the liquor scam case.
Comments