ED vs. Kejriwal: High Court Suspends Bail Pending Appeal

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s bail in a money laundering case related to the Delhi excise policy has been challenged by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the Delhi High Court. The Rouse Avenue Court had granted Kejriwal bail on Thursday, requiring a ₹1 lakh bond, despite ED opposition. The ED requested a 48-hour delay in the bail process to allow time for an appeal, but the court refused.

The ED contends that the trial court’s bail order is “perverse” and “lopsided,” arguing that it did not properly consider their evidence and statements, including a claim that Kejriwal demanded ₹100 crore. The High Court has delayed the execution of the bail order until it can hear the ED’s plea.

Kejriwal was arrested in March, shortly before parliamentary elections, and received interim bail from the Supreme Court in May to campaign for the Lok Sabha elections. The ED’s investigation alleges irregularities in the Delhi excise policy, with significant amounts of money yet to be traced.

The Delhi High Court will continue hearing the case, with both sides presenting arguments on the appropriateness and justification of the bail order.