On Thursday (30th May),Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal files regular bail plea in New Delhi court, originally set for May 30, now postponed to June 7 due to excise policy case. Interim bail plea remains scheduled for June 1, as per earlier order, with both hearings initially listed for the same date.
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DELHI: On Thursday (30th May), Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has filed a regular bail plea before a court in New Delhi. The court was originally scheduled to hear the plea at 2 pm(on 30th May); however, the consideration of the plea has now been deferred to June 7 in connection with the now-scrapped excise policy. Notably, the interim bail plea will still be considered on June 1 as ordered earlier. Initially, the court had listed both bail hearings for June 1.
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court registry refused to accept the application moved by Kejriwal seeking a seven-day extension of interim bail to undergo medical examinations, including a PET-CT scan.
The registry stated-
“the apex court had already reserved its decision in the matter,”
and hence, the application seeking a seven-day extension had “no relation to the main petition.”
The Delhi Chief Minister was granted interim bail until June 1 by the Supreme Court due to the ongoing general elections. Kejriwal, who is also the convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), had sought a seven-day extension on health grounds. Refusing to list Kejriwal’s interim plea on its own, a vacation bench comprising Justices JK Maheshwari and KV Viswanathan had on Tuesday referred the petition to Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud since “the decision in the primary case has already been withheld.”
Kejriwal walked out of jail on May 10 on a 21-day interim bail and has since been leading his party’s campaign for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. He must surrender and return to Tihar Jail on June 2. Kejriwal was arrested in a money laundering case linked to the excise policy ‘scam.’
ALSO READ: Chronology of Delhi Excise Policy Case Involving Arvind Kejriwal
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has termed Arvind Kejriwal as the “key conspirator” in the Delhi excise policy scam. The ED’s allegations have brought significant attention to the case, with political ramifications for the Aam Aadmi Party during the critical election period.
Kejriwal’s legal team is vigorously contesting the charges, emphasizing his medical needs and the ongoing election campaign’s importance.
“The plea for an extension is solely grounded on health reasons.”
-a representative from Kejriwal’s team stated, highlighting the need for the medical examinations that include a PET-CT scan.
Despite the Supreme Court registry’s refusal to consider the extension plea, Kejriwal’s team remains hopeful for a favorable outcome in the upcoming bail hearings. The deferral to June 7 adds another layer of complexity to the already high-stakes situation surrounding the excise policy case.
The interim bail plea, which will be reviewed on June 1, remains a critical date for Kejriwal. His legal and political future hinges on these upcoming hearings, as the Delhi Chief Minister continues to navigate the judicial proceedings while managing his party’s election campaign.
The Delhi excise policy scam has been a contentious issue, with significant implications for Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party. The ED’s accusations and the court’s decisions are being closely watched, not only for their legal consequences but also for their potential impact on the political landscape in Delhi and beyond.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has accused Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of being the “kingpin and key conspirator” in the Delhi excise policy scam. The ED made this claim in a Delhi court on Tuesday, stating that Kejriwal was in “direct touch” with one of the key accused, Vinod Chauhan.
Zoheb Hossain, the special counsel representing the ED, revealed that the agency had acquired direct chats between Kejriwal and Chauhan. Chauhan is alleged to have managed the proceeds of crimes connected with hawala operators.
The ED arrested Chauhan from Goa on May 4, accusing him of transferring a cash bribe from the South Group to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) during the Goa assembly elections in 2022. According to the ED, Chauhan was involved in handling a substantial amount of money, with transactions amounting to Rs 25.5 crore. Additionally, Rs 1.06 crore was seized from Chauhan’s office.
ALSO READ: ED Files Chargesheet Against AAP, Kejriwal| Delhi Excise Policy Case
“The investigative agency submitted its additional chargesheet against Kejriwal and AAP in the money laundering case.”
-Hossain stated.
The court, presided over by special judge Kaveri Baweja, has reserved its order on whether to take cognisance of the supplementary chargesheet for June 4.
Further intensifying the allegations, the ED informed the court that Kejriwal’s stay at a seven-star hotel in Goa was paid for using proceeds from the alleged crime. The payment for this luxurious stay was facilitated by another accused, Charanpreet Singh, with assistance from hawala dealers.
“Charanpreet Singh, another defendant, facilitated the payment with assistance from hawala dealers.”
-the ED’s submission highlighted.
This case has been a major point of contention in Delhi politics, with the ED intensifying its probe into the alleged irregularities in the excise policy. The accusations against Kejriwal and his party have raised serious questions about the integrity of the political leadership and the handling of public funds.
The ED’s investigation into the excise policy scam has uncovered a complex web of financial transactions and alleged corrupt practices. The agency’s focus on Kejriwal’s direct involvement signifies the gravity of the allegations. With the court set to decide on the chargesheet’s cognisance, the political landscape in Delhi is bracing for further upheaval.
Kejriwal’s alleged involvement in the scam and his purported direct communications with Vinod Chauhan point to a broader conspiracy, according to the ED.
“The court postponed its decision on whether to acknowledge the supplementary chargesheet until June 4.”
-the ED’s special counsel reiterated.
The claims about the misuse of proceeds from the alleged crime for personal luxuries add another layer to the controversy.
“The expenses for Kejriwal’s accommodation at a seven-star hotel in Goa were purportedly covered using proceeds from the alleged crime.”
– the ED asserted.