Today(on 10th May), Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal condemns the Enforcement Directorate’s perceived politicization of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s bail proceedings.
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NEW DELHI: Today(on 10th May), Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal has openly criticized the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for what he perceives as politically motivated actions concerning the interim bail of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
During a recent Supreme Court session, the ED opposed granting interim bail to Kejriwal, asserting that “Campaigning is a legal right, not a constitutional one.” Sibal countered by highlighting legal provisions permitting a convicted individual to engage in campaigning if their sentence is stayed by the court.
“That’s correct. But if someone is convicted and the court suspends their punishment, they can still campaign.”
-Sibal explained.
Further illustrating his point, Sibal referred to the case of Hardik Patel, a political leader who was able to contest an election under similar circumstances.
“Look at how Hardik Patel contested the election. Despite having a conviction, the High Court suspended it. Then, he appealed to the Supreme Court, which also stayed it. As a result, he campaigned and even joined the BJP. If someone with evidence and a conviction receives a court-ordered stay, they can campaign. But if someone is merely accused, they can’t get such a stay. What kind of politics is the ED engaging in?”
– Sibal questioned, highlighting a perceived double standard.
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The controversy surrounds the arrest of Kejriwal by the ED on March 21, in relation to a money laundering investigation linked to the alleged irregularities in the now-defunct Delhi excise policy 2021-22. Kejriwal, who had sought appeal in the apex court, argued that his arrest right after the announcement of the General Elections was “motivated by extraneous considerations.”
Despite his appeals, the High Court on April 9 dismissed his plea for release from jail and refuted his claims of political vendetta amid the impending Lok Sabha elections. The court emphasized that Kejriwal’s failure to respond to nine ED summons over a span of six months played a crucial role in his arrest, implying that it was a justified outcome of his non-cooperation.
ALSO READ: Arvind Kejriwal’s Interim Bail Opposed by ED: AAP Raises Objections to Affidavit in Supreme Court
The bench led by Justice Sanjiv Khanna has indicated that a decision on Kejriwal’s request for interim relief might be announced soon, with the Supreme Court expected to pass an order on the matter.
