Delhi High Court to Hear ED's Plea Challenging Kejriwal's Bail on Monday
Delhi Liquor Scam Case: The Delhi High Court will hear on Monday the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) plea challenging the bail granted to former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The case pertains to a money laundering case linked to the city's excise policy, with the ED seeking the cancellation of Kejriwal's bail.
Justice Ravindra Dhudeja to Hear the Case
The petition will be heard by Justice Ravindra Dhudeja of the High Court. Previously, the hearing was adjourned at the request of ED lawyers. The agency now argues that b evidence exists in the case, warranting the cancellation of Kejriwal's bail.
Kejriwal's Lawyers' Argument
Kejriwal's lawyers contend that all other accused in the case have been granted bail, and therefore, their client should also be allowed to remain on bail. Previously, the Supreme Court had granted Kejriwal interim bail on July 12, 2024. The Supreme Court referred some crucial questions regarding the necessity and grounds for arrest under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to a larger bench, potentially complicating the matter.
Bail Granted by Lower Court on June 20
A lower Delhi court granted Kejriwal bail on June 20, 2024, on a personal bond of ₹1 lakh. However, the ED appealed against this order in the High Court, which subsequently stayed the bail order. The ED and CBI arrested Kejriwal on March 21 and June 26, 2023, respectively, in connection with money laundering and corruption cases.
Allegations in the Liquor Policy Scam
Serious allegations of corruption were leveled against Kejriwal and his government concerning Delhi's 2021 excise policy. This policy was revoked in 2022 after the Delhi Lieutenant Governor directed the CBI to investigate alleged irregularities.
The ED and CBI allege that amendments to the policy provided undue benefits to liquor license holders, leading to corruption and money laundering. According to the agencies, the policy granted exemptions to liquor traders contrary to regulations, causing losses to the state exchequer.
