Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal Seeks Bail in Money Laundering Case, Cites Health Reasons
New Delhi, 30th May 2024: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has taken legal action in response to allegations concerning a money laundering case linked to purported irregularities in the liquor policy. Kejriwal has petitioned a Delhi Court for both regular bail and interim bail on medical grounds.
Special Judge Kaveri Baweja of Rouse Avenue Courts has called for a response from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding Kejriwal’s pleas. The ED, represented by ASG SV Raju, has requested time to address these pleas, citing various discrepancies it wishes to address.
Kejriwal’s legal representative, Senior Advocate N Hariharan, appeared on his behalf during the proceedings. The next hearing is scheduled for June 1st at 2 PM.
Previously, Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21 but was subsequently granted interim bail by the Supreme Court until June 1st, after which he is required to surrender. Kejriwal’s plea for a 7-day extension of his interim bail was not listed by the Supreme Court Registry, prompting him to seek relief from the trial court for regular bail.
In a recent development, the ED filed a supplementary chargesheet in the money laundering case, naming Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party as accused. The Delhi High Court had earlier dismissed Kejriwal’s plea contesting his arrest, noting that the ED had presented sufficient evidence, including statements from witnesses and the AAP’s own candidate, implicating Kejriwal in financial irregularities related to the Goa elections.
The ED contends that Kejriwal played a central role in the Delhi excise scam, allegedly directing the utilization of funds amounting to over Rs. 100 crores. The agency asserts that the excise policy was manipulated to benefit specific private entities without proper documentation.
Furthermore, the ED alleges a coordinated effort involving Vijay Nair and others, purportedly acting at the behest of Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, to inflate profits for wholesalers. Manish Sisodia remains in custody, while Sanjay Singh was recently granted bail by the Supreme Court.
