Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal secured bail from the Rouse Avenue Court on Saturday in connection with two cases filed against him by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for allegedly skipping summons related to the excise policy scam. The court granted him bail upon the submission of a bail bond worth ₹15,000 and a surety of ₹1 lakh.
The cases stem from summons issued to Kejriwal by the court based on complaints filed by the ED regarding the Delhi liquor excise policy case. Kejriwal, in compliance with the court’s directive, appeared before the court personally.
AAP party’s legal head, Sanjeev Nasiar, confirmed the development, stating, “The court had summoned CM (Arvind Kejriwal). Last time he attended it through video conferencing when he was directed again he said that he would appear physically. He appeared today & submitted the bail bond. The bail was granted…”
Kejriwal had approached the Rouse Avenue Court to challenge an order issued by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Divya Malhotra, which instructed him to appear before the court on March 16.
Senior Advocate Ramesh Gupta, representing Kejriwal, contended that there was no intentional disobedience by the Chief Minister. He argued that summoning a person is only justified when their non-appearance is deliberate.
Previously, Additional Sessions Judge Rakesh Syal heard arguments from both Kejriwal’s advocates and the Enforcement Directorate concerning the initial order summoning Kejriwal for February 17. On February 17, Kejriwal was granted exemption from appearing in person after participating via video conference. The court then directed him to appear on March 16.
On March 7, Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Divya Malhotra issued another summons for Kejriwal to appear on March 16. The Enforcement Directorate had issued a total of eight summons to Kejriwal related to the case.
The court of ACMM Malhotra scheduled the next hearing for March 16, where the matter regarding summonses no. 1 to 3 will be addressed alongside other complaints.
The allegations against Kejriwal relate to purported irregularities in the Delhi liquor excise policy. The Enforcement Directorate has been investigating the matter, and Kejriwal’s non-compliance with summons led to the legal proceedings against him.
The granting of bail to Kejriwal marks a significant development in the legal battle surrounding the excise policy scam. As a prominent political figure, Kejriwal’s actions and legal proceedings draw considerable attention from both the public and political circles.
The AAP party has been steadfast in its support for Kejriwal, asserting that the summonses issued against him lack merit and are politically motivated. They maintain that Kejriwal’s appearance before the court demonstrates his commitment to transparency and adherence to the rule of law.
Kejriwal’s legal team continues to assert his innocence and challenges the legitimacy of the allegations leveled against him. The ongoing legal saga underscores the complexities and challenges inherent in India’s legal system, especially concerning high-profile cases involving political figures.
Despite the legal hurdles, Kejriwal remains focused on his duties as the Chief Minister of Delhi. The granting of bail provides temporary relief, allowing him to continue his governance responsibilities while addressing the legal proceedings against him.
