In the midst of a high-profile money laundering case linked to Delhi’s liquor policy, the Rouse Avenue Court in New Delhi has postponed its decision on the interim bail of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal until June 5, 2024. Special Judge Kaveri Baweja is set to deliver the verdict.
Previously, the Supreme Court granted Kejriwal interim bail on May 10, 2024, considering the ongoing 18th Lok Sabha General Elections. This bail was scheduled to last until June 1, 2024, with instructions for Kejriwal to surrender by June 2, 2024. However, Kejriwal’s application for a seven-day extension of this bail was rejected by the Supreme Court Registry on May 29, 2024.
Kejriwal’s legal troubles began when the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) arrested him on March 21, 2024, at his residence, following the Delhi High Court’s refusal to grant him interim protection. The Rouse Avenue District Court subsequently granted the ED custody of Kejriwal until March 28, 2024.
The roots of the case date back to August 17, 2022, when the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered predicate offences under Section 120-B read with Section 447-A of the Penal Code, 1860, and Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The ED’s subsequent investigation unearthed allegations involving K Kavitha, a Member of the Legislative Council in Telangana, who is accused of conspiring with senior leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), including Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia. The conspiracy reportedly aimed at securing favorable terms in the formulation and implementation of the Delhi Excise policy, allegedly in exchange for a hefty sum of Rs. 100 Crore.
