The
Delhi High Court on Friday suspended the bail granted to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)
leader Arvind Kejriwal following a petition from the Enforcement Directorate
(ED), which challenged the trial court's decision in the money laundering case
related to the Delhi excise policy, reported Bar and Bench.
The
High Court instructed that the bail order would remain ineffective until the
matter was heard by the Court.
"The bail order
remains ineffective as we have yet to issue a final decision. You may present
your arguments in full," the Court stated, pausing the release of Kejriwal.
The
Court then scheduled the matter for a hearing later today.
A
day after the Rouse Avenue Court granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind
Kejriwal, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) approached the Delhi High Court on
Friday to challenge the trial court’s decision in the Delhi Excise policy money
laundering case. The ED is expected to request an urgent hearing on the matter.
Although
the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader was scheduled for release on Friday, the bail
order had not yet reached the jail. During the June 20 hearing, Kejriwal’s
lawyer argued that the ED’s case against him was based solely on statements
from individuals who had turned approvers.
The
ED arrested Kejriwal on March 21 in connection with the money laundering
investigation related to the Delhi excise policy. On Thursday, the Rouse Avenue
court granted him regular bail, requiring a bond of Rs 1 lakh.
Despite
a request from ED’s special counsel Zoheb Hossain to stay the bail order until
legal remedies were pursued, the court declined. Special Judge Niyay Bindu
stated, “Accused is admitted to bail in the sum of Rs 1 lakh,” and allowed
Kejriwal’s counsel to apply for the bail bond the following day.
Following
the court’s decision, AAP leader Atishi commented, “Satyamev Jayate. Truth can
be troubled, but not defeated”.
Previously,
the AAP convenor was released on interim bail on May 10 to campaign for the
2024 Lok Sabha elections and subsequently surrendered on June 2 as directed by
the Supreme Court.
Meanwhile,
opposing his bail plea, the ED had alleged that Kejriwal demanded a Rs 100
crore bribe from the South Group for his party. The agency argued that if the
Aam Aadmi Party, charged in the case, committed a crime, the person in charge
would be held responsible. The ED claimed, “Kejriwal demanded a bribe of Rs 100
crore for the AAP from the South Group. He is responsible for the conduct of
his party,” before Special Judge Niyay Bindu.