Supreme Court on Arvind Kejriwal: Can grant him bail, after all he is sitting CM

New Delhi. Supreme Court embarked on the deliberation of the bail plea of incarcerated AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday. This development comes amid a backdrop of heated exchanges between the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Kejriwal's legal team.

During the hearing, the ED alleged that Kejriwal, during the 2022 Goa polls, stayed in a lavish seven-star hotel, with part of the expenses being borne by the Delhi government's general administration department. However, the apex court emphasized Kejriwal's role as an elected representative necessitating his participation in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

A bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta received a note from Additional Solicitor General S V Raju, representing the ED, countering Kejriwal's claim of suppressed statements from approvers. Earlier indications from the court suggested a potential consideration of interim bail for Kejriwal in light of the electoral process.

During the course of arguments, notable exchanges occurred between Senior Advocate Abhishek Singhvi and Justice Sanjiv Khanna, reflecting on the implications of releasing Kejriwal and his potential resumption of official duties amid ongoing investigations.

Meanwhile, here are some exchnge of words that took place during as the argument proceeded in courtroom.

Singhvi: There is no restriction as a sitting CM.

J Khanna: Suppose we release you, and you are allowed to contest elections, you will perform official duties...it may have wider implications.

J Khanna: What about signing files and attending office?

Singhvi: I don't want to say I am in bondage. No action will be taken on this excise matter.

J Khanna: If you go to office, it may not be right.

J Khanna: It is a question of ownership...of public interest. Don't want interference in government functioning.

Singhvi: There is a new excise policy.

Kejriwal's arrest on March 21, stemming from a money laundering investigation related to the alleged Delhi liquor policy scam, has sparked political controversy. The AAP has accused the BJP-led Centre of orchestrating his arrest ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, positioning Kejriwal as a key figure in their campaign efforts.

During a recent roadshow, Kejriwal's wife, Sunita, echoed the party's sentiments, decrying what she perceives as an attempt to silence dissent. She rallied supporters, urging them to cast their votes despite the challenges, portraying Kejriwal's detention as an act of "hooliganism and dictatorship."

Kejriwal, despite his confinement, remains a pivotal figure in the AAP's electoral strategy, listed as one of the party's star campaigners for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.