Supreme Court Grants Arvind Kejriwal Interim Bail in ED Case; Remains in Custody for CBI Matter

New Delhi July 12 2024 : The Supreme Court has issued an interim bail order for Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) money laundering probe. This decision follows the court’s referral of Kejriwal’s challenge against his ED arrest to a larger bench, emphasizing concerns over the necessity and proportionality of arrests made by investigating officers under ED jurisdiction.

In its ruling, the court framed pivotal questions regarding ED’s arrest powers and policies, while directing Kejriwal’s release based on conditions outlined in an earlier May 10 order.

However, Kejriwal will remain in custody due to a separate investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) related to an excise policy matter. The court clarified that it cannot compel the Delhi Chief Minister to step down due to his arrest, leaving the decision to Kejriwal himself.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) reacted to the verdict with a post on its official handle, “Satyameva Jayate.” Senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh expressed confidence in Kejriwal’s innocence, criticizing the government for what he termed as false implications.

Kejriwal was initially arrested in March by the ED over alleged corruption linked to a now-defunct liquor sales policy. While a trial court had granted him bail on June 20, the Delhi High Court later stayed this decision.

Today, AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj highlighted the significance of the Supreme Court’s ruling, suggesting it could mark a turning point in preventing misuse of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) if Kejriwal’s arrest is deemed unlawful.

“We anticipate this judgment will strengthen our country’s constitutional framework,” Bharadwaj remarked earlier today.

The legal proceedings continue to draw widespread attention and debate across political circles and the public alike.