Courtroom Battle: Kejriwal's Bail Drama Plays Out in Delhi High Court

Courtroom Battle: Kejriwal's Bail Drama Plays Out in Delhi High Court

The postponement of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's brief window of freedom has ignited political circles in Delhi. In the news-making liquor policy case, the Delhi High Court intervened to put a stop to things just one day after a trial court had granted him bail. When a judge at Rouse Avenue Court decided to give Kejriwal bail on Thursday night, his supporters were relieved. The Aam Aadmi Party leader would be leaving Tihar Jail shortly, it seemed. However, we should not disclose this information to the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The ED, which has been investigating Kejriwal for suspected money laundering, hurried to the High Court faster than you could say "bail order." They contended that the trial court judge ignored important evidence and did not give them a fair hearing. In a marathon session on Friday, the High Court heard both sides. The Additional Solicitor General, S.V. Raju, representing the ED, was not subtle. He said the trial court dismissed their evidence as "bulky" after giving it barely a quick look. Raju said the trial judge disregarded evidence that Kejriwal had demanded a substantial ₹100 crore bribe.

On the other hand, Kejriwal's competent legal team, led by Abhishek Singhvi, responded. They charged that, while looking for proof, the ED was attempting to keep Kejriwal imprisoned indefinitely. Kejriwal isn't precisely a flight risk, Singhvi noted; in fact, he turned himself in to the police when his prior temporary bail expired. High Court Justice Sudhir Kumar Jain chose to halt Kejriwal's release after hearing both sides. He's postponed the bail order till he can examine all the evidence more closely, which could take a few days.

Therefore, what does this mean for the Delhi Chief Minister? The legal procedure will occupy his time in jail. It's a tight waiting game for Delhiites, Kejriwal, and his party. Since then, this case has been an emotional rollercoaster. According to the ED, the charges of corruption in Delhi's spirit policy suggest that Kejriwal played a crucial role in a money laundering operation. But Kejriwal and his allies maintain it's all a political witch hunt. One thing is clear as Delhi waits for the High Court's ultimate ruling: this legal drama is far from over. Is Kejriwal going to spend more time in Tihar, or will he be walking free? Watch this space as this tale develops right in the centre of the Indian capital.