SC hears Kejriwal's plea for bail to campaign for polls
The Supreme Court on Tuesday is hearing Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's plea seeking interim bail. The Aam Aadmi Party national convener—arrested on March 21 in connection with a money laundering probe linked to the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy—is seeking bail to campaign for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. The case will be examined by a bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta.
SC's comments on interim bail
On May 3, the Supreme Court hinted at the possibility of granting interim bail to Kejriwal in view of the poll season. The court stated, "We are not commenting on it...We are just saying we will hear on interim bail and not saying we will grant interim bail. We may or may not." The court also expressed its willingness to hear arguments from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding temporary relief for Kejriwal before Delhi's elections scheduled for May 25.
ED's opposition to Kejriwal's bail plea
Meanwhile, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, representing the ED, has objected to Kejriwal's plea for bail. He cited statements made by AAP leader Sanjay Singh after his release on bail in a related case as grounds for his opposition. The court also raised questions about Kejriwal's ability to perform official duties as the chief minister of Delhi, particularly signing official documents, given his detainment.
Delhi L-G recommends NIA probe against Kejriwal
In a separate development, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on Monday recommended an investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) against Kejriwal. He accused the CM of receiving political funding from the banned group "Sikhs for Justice." AAP leaders have dismissed this recommendation as a political move by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) aimed at damaging Kejriwal's reputation amid the general elections.
