CM Kejriwal Gets Bail in Liquor Case
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been granted bail in a case related to the city’s liquor policy, a contentious issue that has been a subject of public debate. His lawyer successfully argued that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) lacked evidence against him.
Mr. Kejriwal, the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), will soon be breathing a sigh of relief as he is set to be released after the bail order reaches the correctional facility tomorrow. His lawyer, in a triumphant move, informed the Delhi court that the ED, a government agency responsible for enforcing economic laws and fighting economic crime in India, had a weak case that heavily relied on statements from individuals who had become approvers in the matter.
The court, in a clear and resolute display of its commitment to justice, rejected the ED’s request for a 48-hour delay to challenge the bail bond. It emphasized that the evidence provided by these individuals, some of whom had admitted guilt in exchange for promises of leniency, did not sufficiently link Mr. Kejriwal to any wrongdoing.
The case involves serious allegations that funds from liquor traders were used to support AAP’s campaign in Goa, where Mr. Kejriwal serves as convenor. He and his party have consistently maintained that the central government unfairly targets opposition figures through baseless accusations. The allegations, if proven, could have significant implications for the party and Mr. Kejriwal’s political career.
Mr. Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21 under suspicion of money laundering in connection with Delhi’s 2021-22 liquor policy, which was ultimately scrapped due to objections from the Lieutenant Governor. The ED’s claims about a ‘South Group’ from Telangana allegedly involved in manipulating liquor licenses in Delhi were also contested by Mr. Kejriwal’s legal team, citing a lack of substantial evidence.