The Supreme Court is expected to deliver its verdict on interim bail for Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who has been in custody since March over a money laundering case linked to Delhi's former liquor policy.
Kejriwal, currently held in Tihar Jail, filed a plea seeking interim bail to participate in campaigning for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, challenging his arrest in the liquor policy case.
However, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) opposed Kejriwal's bail request, arguing that the right to campaign isn't fundamental, constitutional, or legal. The agency highlighted that no political leader had been granted interim bail for campaigning without being a contesting candidate.
Meanwhile, Kejriwal's legal team objected to the ED's affidavit, criticizing it for bypassing legal procedures. They contended that the affidavit was submitted without the Supreme Court's approval, raising concerns about its timing, especially as the court was set to make a final decision on Friday.
The ED is also set to file its first chargesheet against Kejriwal in the liquor policy case, marking the first time he'll be named as an accused in the matter. Kejriwal was arrested on March 21, with the ED alleging his involvement as the "kingpin" in the alleged scam, accusing him of soliciting kickbacks from liquor barons.
(With inputs from PTI).