Setback To Kejriwal: Delhi HC Pauses Release Order Until ED’s Petition Is Heard

New Delhi: In a huge setback to Arvind Kejriwal, the Delhi High Court paused his release order in a corruption case related to the Delhi Liquor Policy until the Enforcement Directorate’s petition is heard, NDTV reported.

On Thursday, a Delhi court ordered Kejriwal’s release on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh but imposed certain conditions before granting him the relief, including that he would not try to hamper the investigation or influence the witnesses.

Notably, The ED on Friday challenged Kejriwal’s bail in the case, just hours before his release from Tihar jail. ED’s counsels including additional solicitor general SV Raju, special public prosecutor Zoeb Hossain and other members of the probe agency’s legal team mentioned the matter before the High Court’s vacation bench for an urgent hearing.

“We were not given ample opportunity to argue the matter before the vacation judge…I was not even given time to file a written submission,” said the additional solicitor general.

“My prayer for a stay on the bail order wasn’t even considered. I am demanding that the order be stayed and the matter be heard as soon as possible. we were denied the full opportunity to argue the case. i am making allegations with full seriousness,” he added.

The ED arrested Kejriwal on March 21 over money laundering allegations while framing the Delhi liquor policy for 2021-22, which was later scrapped after the Lieutenant Governor raised red flags. The ED has alleged the money Kejriwal got from the liquor sellers was used to fund the party’s campaign in Goa since he is the convenor of the AAP.