Kejriwal's plea against arrest still undecided by SC, can ask for bail at trial court.

New Delhi: On Friday, the Supreme Court reserved its verdict on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's challenge against his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). This arrest was made in connection to a money laundering case related to an alleged excise scam. However, the court also granted Kejriwal the liberty to approach the trial court for regular bail.

The bench, comprising of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta, reserved its judgement after listening to the arguments presented by senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi and Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, who represented Kejriwal and the ED, respectively.

In its order, the bench stated, "Arguments have been heard and judgement has been reserved. Despite this, and without affecting any rights or contentions, the appellant has the option to ask the trial court for bail, following the law."

The top court thoroughly examined the case files and statements of the witnesses and accused recorded after October 30, 2023. This was the day when senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia's bail plea was rejected. Sisodia is an accused in both the corruption and money laundering case related to the alleged scam.

Kejriwal, who is the chief minister of Delhi, was arrested on March 21 in the money laundering case. The apex court had granted him interim bail from May 10 to June 1 for campaigning in the Lok Sabha elections. However, he was ordered to surrender on June 2 and return to jail.

The court also imposed certain restrictions on Kejriwal, prohibiting him from visiting his office or the Delhi secretariat. He was also not allowed to sign any official files, unless it was absolutely necessary and for obtaining the lieutenant governor's approval.

The case pertains to alleged corruption and money laundering in the formulation and execution of the Delhi government's excise policy for 2021-22, which has now been scrapped. This matter has been covered extensively by the Press Trust of India (PTI).

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