In a significant development in a corruption case involving Delhi’s taxation policy, the High Court has granted bail to Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi and the national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Kejriwal had been in judicial custody from March and on vacation justice Nyay Bindu’s orders, he has been granted bail after providing a bond of ₹1,00,000.
However, an official statement by the Enforcement Directorate indicates that they are readying themselves to challenge this order in the Delhi High Court today. News sources say that the Enforcement Directorate requested a 48-hour extension period but the court declined thus compelling the company to opt for an appeal process at any level above local courts.
Kejriwal’s legal troubles stem from allegations of money laundering related to Delhi’s liquor policy for 2021-22, which was later annulled following objections raised by the Lieutenant Governor. The ED has accused Kejriwal of receiving kickbacks through hawala channels, purportedly intended to fund the AAP’s electoral campaign in Goa. The agency alleges financial transactions involving significant sums, including a claim that ₹45 crore was received by an AAP functionary involved in the Goa campaign.
Kejriwal’s defense has consistently argued the absence of concrete evidence linking him or the AAP to the alleged illicit funds. His legal team has emphasized that the ED failed to substantiate its claims during court proceedings.
This situation is occuring at the same time as intensified political stress and claims of using investigation institutions to fight back politically. There have been comments on this from various politicians whereas the opposite side terms it as an action meant to ruin Kejriwal’s image politically.
On the other hand Water Minister Atishi and Sunita Kejriwal, the Chief Minister’s wife, are scheduled to commence an indefinite hunger strike at Raj Ghat today, demanding immediate intervention to resolve the crisis, which they attribute in part to obstruction of water supply from neighboring Haryana.
As the legal battle unfolds and political ramifications resonate, all eyes are on the judicial process and its implications for Kejriwal’s political future and governance in Delhi amidst ongoing challenges.
