The Supreme Court’s hearing on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s bail plea has been a closely watched event, with significant implications for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.
The court’s decision, which is expected to be delivered in the coming days, could have far-reaching consequences for the political landscape in India.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court expressed its willingness to consider granting interim bail to Kejriwal, citing the upcoming elections as a key factor. The court acknowledged the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the case, given Kejriwal’s position as the elected chief minister of Delhi.
However, the court also clarified that if it were to grant interim bail, it would not allow Kejriwal to perform his official duties, as this could lead to a conflict of interest. The court emphasized that it does not want any interference in the functioning of the government.
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The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is investigating the case, objected to the court’s consideration of granting interim bail, arguing that it would set a dangerous precedent. The ED’s counsel, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, questioned whether the court was creating exceptions for politicians and stated that there should be no deviation from the law just because Kejriwal is the chief minister.
The court, in turn, questioned the ED on the time to investigate the case, nothing that the agency has taken two years to uncover something, The bench also asked why relevant direct questions were not posed to witnesses and the accused in the case.
The court’s observations and the ED’s objections highlight the complex and politically charged nature of this case. On one hand, the court seems to recognize the extraordinary circumstances surrounding Kejriwal’s arrest, given his position as the elected chief minister and the ongoing elections. On the other hand, the ED is adamant that there should be no special treatment for Kejriwal, arguing that it would set a dangerous precedent and undermine the rule of law.
The case revolves around the alleged corruption and money laundering in the implementation and formulation of the Delhi government’s now-abandoned liquor excise policy for 2021-22. Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21, just days after the Model Code of Conduct for the general election was declared on March 16.
The Delhi High Court had earlier upheld Kejriwal’s arrest, stating that his repeated refusal to cooperate with the investigation and attend summonses justified his detention. The court also noted that there was prima facie evidence, including statements of approvers, involvement of middlemen, and references to cash being handed over for expenditure in the 2022 Goa elections.
The Supreme Court’s decision on Kejriwal’s bail plea will have significant implications for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. If the court grants him interim bail, it could allow Kejriwal to actively participate in the campaign, potentially boosting the Aam Admi Party’s (AAP) chance in the elections. However, if the court denies bail, it could hamper Kejriwal’s ability to campaign and could be seen as a setback for the AAP.
The case has also raised broader questions about the role of law enforcement agencies in the political process. The ED’s arrest of Kejriwal, just days before the elections, has been criticized by the AAP and its supporters as a politically motivated move to undermine the party’s electoral prospects.
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The Supreme Court’s handling of this case will be closely watched by political observers and the public alike. The court’s decision will not only impact the ongoing Lok Sabha elections but also set a precedent for how the judiciary navigates the delicate balance between the rule of law and the political process.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s hearing on Arvind Kejriwal’s bail plea has been a pivotal moment in Indian politics. The court’s willingness to consider granting interim bail, coupled with the ED’s objection, highlights the complex and politically charged nature of this case. The court’s decision, which is expected in the coming days, will have significant implications for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections and the broader political landscape in India.
