In a significant development, the Supreme Court has granted interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal until June 1 in connection with the excise policy case. This decision comes amidst a series of legal proceedings and arguments surrounding Kejriwal’s detention and the nature of his participation in the electoral process.
On Thursday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) vehemently opposed the plea for interim bail, asserting that granting any special concession to Kejriwal would undermine the principles of the rule of law and equality. According to the ED, providing preferential treatment to politicians like Kejriwal would create a dichotomy in society, with ordinary citizens bound by the laws of the country while politicians enjoy exemptions.
During the hearing on Tuesday, the Supreme Court expressed reservations about allowing Kejriwal to resume his official duties if released on interim bail, particularly in light of the ongoing election. Consequently, the court decided to reserve its order on the matter, indicating the complexity and significance of the case.
Kejriwal’s legal battle stems from his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21 in connection with the excise policy case. The ED’s contention against granting interim bail revolves around the nature of campaigning during an election. They argued that the right to campaign is neither a fundamental nor a constitutional right, and therefore, political leaders, including Kejriwal, are not entitled to interim bail for campaigning purposes, even if they are not contesting candidates.
Responding to the Enforcement Directorate’s opposition, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) issued a press release, highlighting their strong objection to the affidavit filed by the ED. The legal team representing Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and AAP National Convenor raised concerns over the ED’s stance and emphasized the importance of securing interim bail for Kejriwal in the Supreme Court.
Following the developments in court, Advocate Shadan Farasat provided insights into the Supreme Court’s verdict on Arvind Kejriwal’s bail. Farasat noted that the court had delivered an oral order, indicating that interim bail had been granted to Kejriwal until June 2. Importantly, the court clarified that there were no restrictions imposed on Kejriwal’s campaigning activities, providing a significant relief for the Chief Minister amidst the ongoing legal battle.
The case surrounding Arvind Kejriwal’s interim bail has sparked widespread discussions about the intersection of law, politics, and electoral processes in India. As the legal proceedings continue, the outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for the rights and responsibilities of political leaders in the country’s democratic framework.
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