The Enforcement Directorate is expected to challenge the regular bail granted to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the Delhi excise policy case. The central probe agency will move the Delhi High Court against the order by Rouse Avenue Courts’ Vacation Judge Nyay Bindu under Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Offences under the PMLA are cognisable and non-bailable. Bail can only be granted if the court is satisfied that the accused has not committed the offence and is unlikely to commit any while on bail. Furthermore, bail can be granted only if the Public Prosecutor has an opportunity to oppose the release.
In a case linked to the excise scam, Arvind Kejriwal was granted bail on a personal bond of ₹1,00,000 with specific conditions. His lawyers are expected to submit the bail bond before the court, and upon release, Kejriwal will have to adhere to prescribed conditions.
The Enforcement Directorate, which alleges a money laundering link to the excise policy, claims the case against AAP leaders is valid. However, the AAP Legal Cell asserts that the ED has no concrete proof and labels the case a BJP conspiracy. The ED’s move to challenge the bail order in the Delhi High Court comes after the Rouse Avenue Court’s refusal to delay filing the bail bond.
The bail granted to Kejriwal has garnered mixed reactions from political figures. While the opposition views it as a victory of truth, the ruling party argues that judicial processes must take their course. The case remains a point of contention, with claims and counterclaims surfacing regarding the alleged bribery and money laundering aspects.
The Delhi High Court’s upcoming session to address the ED’s plea against Kejriwal’s bail will be crucial in determining the future course of this high-profile case.
