In a decisive turn, the Delhi High Court has intervened to suspend the bail granted to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by a lower court in connection with the Delhi excise policy case, currently under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Justice Sudhir Kumar Jain emphasized the trial court’s oversight in thoroughly assessing the evidence presented by the ED and ensuring sufficient opportunity for argument. The High Court’s ruling, prompted by an urgent plea from the ED, cited procedural lapses and underscored the necessity for a more comprehensive evaluation of Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
“The trial court’s handling of voluminous evidence without due consideration is untenable,” stated Justice Jain, critiquing the lower court’s handling of the matter.
Furthermore, the High Court rebuked the trial court’s findings regarding alleged malfeasance by the ED, pointing out inconsistencies with earlier judicial determinations. The court’s interim decision, staying Kejriwal’s bail, follows an intense legal battle initiated by the ED immediately after the lower court’s bail order on June 20.
Kejriwal, accused of complicity in manipulating the Delhi Excise Policy for electoral gains, has staunchly denied the allegations, characterizing the ED’s actions as an attempt at coercion. The case has ensnared other prominent AAP figures, including former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Member of Parliament Sanjay Singh, highlighting the political and legal ramifications of the ongoing investigation.
The Supreme Court has deferred to the Delhi High Court’s final ruling, slated for June 26, amid heightened scrutiny over the judicial handling of the high-profile case.
This development underscores the complexities and legal intricacies surrounding allegations of financial misconduct within India’s political landscape, shaping the course of Kejriwal’s legal battle and its broader implications for governance and accountability.
