Arvind Kejriwal gets bail in liquor scam case
In a big snub to the BJP’s tirades, Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Thursday granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chairperson Arvind Kejriwal in the alleged liquor excise policy case. The court dismissed the Enforcement Directorate’s request to postpone the bail order of the AAP leader by 48 hours.
Arvind Kejriwal, who has been held in custody since March 21, was granted a temporary release to participate in his party’s campaign during the recent Lok Sabha elections. However, the court attached specific conditions to his bail. These included strict directives prohibiting him from obstructing the ongoing investigation or exerting any influence over potential witnesses. Additionally, Kejriwal was mandated to comply with future court summons and fully cooperate with the investigative process.
Special Judge Niyay Bindu issued the order following thorough deliberations between the prosecution and defence attorneys. The decision came amidst a backdrop of heightened scrutiny and legal proceedings surrounding Kejriwal’s incarceration and the unfolding investigation.
Prior to this ruling, the court had extended Kejriwal’s judicial custody until July 3, underscoring the judicial commitment to ensuring due process while balancing the demands of justice and electoral participation.
While commenting on the case, AAP leaders said that the fact that even a lower court could grant bail in a Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) case, when the norm is only the Supreme Court providing bail in such cases, proves that the ED (and by extension, the Union government, as the ED is its agency) has no proof against Arvind Kejriwal.
According to reports, the ED will appeal to the Delhi High Court on Friday against the trial court’s judgment granting bail.
