New Delhi: The Supreme Court may consider granting interim bail to Arvind Kejriwal in view of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.
A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta said on Friday that hearing in the petition of Kejriwal challenging his arrest by Enforcement Directorate (ED) could drag on, and hence it could consider the matter of interim bail for the jailed Delhi chief minister.
“This case may take time. But if the case takes time, we may consider the question of interim bail, because of the elections. Let’s be very clear on that… Please be considerate, both sides,” the Supreme Court remarked, reported Bar and Bench.
But the two-member bench made it clear nothing has been decided finally and it was only informing all counsel that interim relief could be considered.
“Please also take instructions — we are not saying anything (on whether bail will be granted or not) – we would like to consider grant of interim bail because of elections. Dr (Abhishek Manu) Singhvi (Kejriwal’s counsel), don’t start without even hearing us – we may or may not grant. We are going to hear you. We must be open to you, because neither side should be taken by surprise. Second … Because of the position you (Kejriwal) hold, whether you should be signing any files? We are being open, do not assume anything … Do not read anything into it! We are not saying either way,” Justice Khanna said.
Hearing in the case will resume on May 7.
Kejriwal was arrested by ED on March 21 in a money-laundering case associated with the now-scrapped Delhi liquor policy. Following remand in ED custody, Kejriwal has been lodged in Tihar jail for a month.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo moved Supreme Court for relief after Delhi High Court dismissed his plea.
During the last hearing, Supreme Court questioned the ED on the timing of Kejriwal’s arrest, ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
