The Supreme Court on Friday said that it may consider interim bail for Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in view of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, reports Bar and Bench.
During Friday’s proceedings, a bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta acknowledged that the hearing in Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s plea challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the Delhi excise policy case could prolong. In such an event, the Bench remarked it would contemplate the matter of interim bail.
“This case may take time. But if the case takes time, we may consider the question of interim bail, because of the elections. Let’s be very clear on that … Please be considerate, both sides,” the Court orally remarked.
However, the Bench clarified that this was not a final decision.
“Please also take instructions – we are not saying anything (on whether bail will be granted or not) – we would like to consider grant of interim bail because of elections. Dr. Singhvi (Kejriwal’s counsel), don’t start without even hearing us – we may or may not grant. We are going to hear you. We must be open to you, because neither side should be taken by surprise. Second … Because of the position you (Kejriwal) hold, whether you should be signing any files? We are being open, do not assume anything … Do not read anything into it! We are not saying either way,” Justice Khanna said, as quoted by Bar and Bench.
The matter will be next hard on May 7.
However, the matter of interim bail was opposed by Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, representing the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
The bench is currently hearing Kejriwal’s plea challenging his arrest by the ED. The Delhi chief minister is presently held in judicial custody at Tihar Jail in New Delhi following his arrest on March 21.
The Supreme Court issued a notice to the ED on April 15 and sought its response to Kejriwal’s plea.
On April 9, the high court upheld Kejriwal’s arrest, stating there was no illegality and the ED had “little option” after he repeatedly skipped summonses and declined to participate in the investigation.
The case revolves around alleged corruption and money laundering in the formulation and execution of the Delhi government’s now-scrapped excise policy for 2021-22.