Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s Bail in Money Laundering Case Challenged by ED

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has contested the Rouse Avenue court’s decision to grant bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a money laundering case linked to the Delhi Excise policy.

Details of the Case

The ED challenged the June 20, 2024, order by Special Judge (Vacation Judge) at Rouse Avenue District Courts, which granted bail to Kejriwal. The trial court stated that the ED failed to provide direct evidence against Kejriwal regarding the proceeds of crime.

Urgent Hearing Requested

The matter was mentioned before the vacation division bench for an urgent hearing. ASG S V Raju and Special Counsel Zoheb Hossain represented the ED, and the case is listed before Justice Sudhir Kumar Jain.

ED’s Arguments

The ED argued that the bail was granted without adequate hearing and without considering the mandatory conditions under Section 45 of the PMLA. The ED also stated that the Special Judge refused to stay the order temporarily, preventing the ED from challenging it in the High Court.

Background

Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21 in connection with alleged irregularities in the now-cancelled Delhi excise policy 2021-22. He was granted interim bail by the Supreme Court on May 10 due to the Lok Sabha polls and was told to surrender on June 2.

Court’s Observations

The trial court noted that the ED did not provide evidence linking Kejriwal directly to the crime. The court also pointed out that Kejriwal was not named in the CBI FIR or ECIR and that the allegations surfaced after statements from co-accused.

Current Status

The Delhi High Court has been urged to stay the trial court’s order, with the matter now listed for an urgent hearing.