NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has scheduled January 17, 2025, to hear the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) plea challenging the bail granted to former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy-linked money laundering case of 2021-22.
The ED’s legal counsel has urged Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri to defer the hearing, citing the unavailability of Additional Solicitor General S V Raju as the reason. However, AAP leader Kejriwal’s legal team, represented by senior advocate Vikram Chaudhary, opposed the delay, emphasizing the “pressing urgency” surrounding the matter.
Chaudhary contended that the ED should withdraw its plea and that the court should lift its stay on the trial court’s bail order, stating, “You can’t have a sword hanging over my head.”
Despite this, the ED maintained that Kejriwal remains on bail due to a Supreme Court order.
Context of the Case
Kejriwal’s arrest occurred in March and June of this year by the ED and the CBI in connection with money laundering and corruption investigations linked to the 2021-22 excise policy.
The excise policy was terminated in 2022 following a CBI investigation into alleged financial irregularities and undue benefits granted to license holders. These developments continue to fuel the ongoing scrutiny of the policy’s framing and execution.
On July 12, the Supreme Court granted Kejriwal interim bail in the money laundering matter while referring key questions about arrest and its necessity under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to a larger bench.
Additionally, a trial court had earlier granted Kejriwal bail in June on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh, though this was subsequently stayed by the Delhi High Court.
What’s Next?
The case remains a high-stakes political and legal issue as investigations continue, with key questions regarding Kejriwal’s legal battle and the excise policy’s investigation remaining unresolved.
The next hearing in January 2025 will prove pivotal as it will address the ED’s plea and the opposition arguments surrounding this prolonged legal fight.
Source: Web Team, C6N
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