'Due to polls…': SC says will hear Kejriwal's bail plea
What's the story
The Supreme Court will look into the possibility of granting interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, amid the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.
The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, May 7 and will be presided over by Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Dipankar Datta.
Both Kejriwal's legal team and the Enforcement Directorate have been directed to prepare for this hearing.
Context
Why does this story matter?
On March 21, the ED arrested Kejriwal in the money laundering case linked to the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy.
The case revolves around alleged irregularities and money laundering in the creation and execution of the excise policy 2021-22, which was later rescinded.
The federal agency has alleged that the AAP is a significant beneficiary of the illicit funds generated from the "scam."
It has also alleged that the money was funneled into the party's poll campaign for Goa and Punjab.
Defense argument
Kejriwal's legal team argues lack of evidence
Senior Advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, insists that there is no evidence against the Delhi CM.
Singhvi stated that "Kejriwal had complied with nine ED summons" and argued that "non-appearance cannot be grounds for arrest."
He further contended that all evidence leading to his client's arrest was gathered before the end of 2023 and was similar to the evidence used in Manish Sisodia's case.
Court inquiry
Supreme Court questions timing of Kejriwal's arrest
During the second day of hearing, the Supreme Court questioned the ED about the timing of Kejriwal's arrest.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna emphasized "the importance of liberty" and asked if criminal proceedings could commence without adjudicatory proceedings.
He noted that while investigators claimed to have found material linked to former Delhi deputy CM Manish Sisodia in this case, nothing similar had been presented in Kejriwal's case.
The court has given the ED until Friday, May 3 to respond.
Federal agency's statement
'Kejriwal arrested because of own conduct…': ED tells SC
On April 25, the ED defended its decision to detain Kejriwal in an affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court.
The agency refuted Kejriwal's objections, stating that he failed to cooperate despite numerous calls for his participation.
The ED accused Kejriwal of evading questioning by not appearing before the investigating officer despite the nine summonses.