Arvind Kejriwal's Interim Bail Plea: No Order Today

Supreme Court today adjourned the hearing on Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal’s interim bail plea. The court stated that no order today and matter is likely to consider on Thursday or next week.

Arvind Kejriwal has been under judicial custody since his arrest on March 21 in connection with the  alleged irregularities in the now-scrapped Delhi Excise Policy Case. Kejriwal is currently lodged in Tihar jail.

A bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta heard AAP leader”s plea. The apex Court on May 3 suggested at the possibility of giving interim bail to Arvind Kejriwal considering the ongoing Lok Sabha election. While scheduling hearing on Tuesday, the court has requested both the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Kejriwal’s counsel to come prepared. On April 15, the Court has issued a notice to the federal agency and sought their response.

“Tentatively we will see if that matter finishes, we will give you a date for day after tomorrow. If it”s not possible, we will keep it sometime in next week. Next week is going to be very difficult”, Live Mint reports, as the Court is saying.

While hearing the interim bail plea, the court asked the central agency why it had taken two years to act against the “political executive”, referring Delhi Chief Minister. The court then observed that since elections are around the corner, Arvind Kejriwal is the Chief Minister, he wants to campaign. In response, probe agency stated, “What example are we setting here ? Even an agriculturist will have to sow seeds. Will the SC give interim bail for sowing seeds ? How can an interim bail be granted for campaigning?,” Live Mint reports, as the Court is saying. To which the Court replied that both are different, the case is taking more time and General Elections happen once in five years.

Meanwhile, earlier today, Delhi High Court extended Arvind Kejriwal”s judicial custody in the Delhi Excise policy case till May 20.