SC 'may' deliver order on Kejriwal's bail on May 10
The Supreme Court on Wednesday announced that an order on the interim bail plea of Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, may come on Friday Justice Sanjiv Khanna told this to Additional Solicitor General SV Raju during a hearing. The Supreme Court heard Kejriwal's bail plea on Tuesday and reserved the order. During the hearing, the top court said it did not want Kejriwal to discharge his official duties if he was released on interim bail in view of the election.
Why does this story matter?
On March 21, the Enforcement Directorate arrested Kejriwal—the face of the Aam Aadmi Party—in a money laundering probe linked to the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy. The case 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.
Can't perform official duties: SC
On Tuesday, the bench said if it decides to release the AAP chief, "we are very clear that we don't want you to be performing official duties since it may have a cascading effect." "We do not want interference at all in the work of the government. It's your wish that you want to continue as chief minister. Today, it is not a question of legality but propriety," the bench added.
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.
Singhvi asked to respond to ED's concerns
To recall, the ED had refused Kejriwal's interim bail plea, saying it would set a "wrong precedent." "A politician has no special rights as compared to normal citizens. Should all MPs and MLAs facing prosecution be released on bail?" the ED asked. Singhvi had been asked to respond to the issues raised by the agency.
