ED to file first chargesheet against 'kingpin' Arvind Kejriwal tomorrow
The Enforcement Directorate is likely to submit its first chargesheet against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday, reports said. This will be the first time Kejriwal will be named as an accused in the money laundering case linked to the now-scrapped excise policy. The ED is expected to label Kejriwal as a "kingpin" and principal conspirator in the case.
Why does this story matter?
On March 21, the ED arrested Kejriwal—the face of the Aam Aadmi Party—in the excise policy case, which revolves around alleged irregularities and money laundering in the creation and execution of the policy. The 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.
SC judgment of Kejriwal's interim bail plea
The ED's chargesheet submission may coincide with the Supreme Court hearing on Kejriwal's interim bail plea. Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who heads the Supreme Court bench, has directed Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, representing the ED, to prepare his arguments by Friday. "We will pronounce the interim order (on interim bail) on Friday. The main matter related to the challenge to arrest will also be taken on the same day," stated Justice Khanna.
SC expresses concern over potential conflicts of interest
Kejriwal did not receive any relief from the Supreme Court on Tuesday, as the bench of Justices Khanna and Dipankar Datta adjourned without granting him interim bail for his Lok Sabha election campaign. The bench expressed concerns about potential conflicts of interest if Kejriwal were allowed to continue his official duties while out on interim bail.
Kejriwal's legal representative responds to court's concerns
Moreover, the bench said, "We are considering the interim bail just because of elections." The top court also told the ED that it would hear the bail arguments as Kejriwal is "the sitting...[CM]...needs to campaign for the Lok Sabha elections." Kejriwal's counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi submitted that Kejriwal won't sign any official files if released on interim bail provided the Delhi lieutenant governor does not reject decisions just because the files were not signed by him.
