High Court Blocks Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s Bail in Excise Policy Case: What's Next?

Setback for Arvind Kejriwal: Delhi High Court Halts CM's Bail in Excise Policy Case

In a significant development, the Delhi High Court on Friday stayed the release of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, following an urgent petition from the Enforcement Directorate (ED). This decision came just hours before Kejriwal was set to leave Tihar jail, having been granted bail by a Delhi Court in the Excise Policy case.

The High Court announced it would review the ED's request and issue a decision within two to three days, according to ANI. Until this review is completed, Kejriwal’s bail remains on hold.

The Rouse Avenue Court had initially granted bail to Kejriwal, stating that the ED had not provided direct evidence linking him to the proceeds of crime. However, the ED quickly filed an urgent petition, arguing that the June 20 bail order was issued without giving them sufficient time to present their case.

Vacation Judge Nyay Bindu, while rejecting the ED’s request for a 48-hour delay in the bail bond process, granted Kejriwal bail on a bond of Rs 1 Lakh.

The ED contends that the bail order overlooked the fact that courts, including the Supreme Court, have recognized the commission of the offense of money laundering in this case. Therefore, they argue, regular bail should not have been granted due to the mandatory twin conditions under Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21 in connection with a money laundering case tied to alleged irregularities in the now-cancelled 2021-22 Delhi excise policy. The Supreme Court had previously granted him interim bail on May 10 to participate in the Lok Sabha elections, after which Kejriwal surrendered on June 2 as directed by the court.

The unfolding situation leaves Kejriwal’s immediate future uncertain as the High Court deliberates on the ED’s arguments and the validity of the trial court’s bail order.