Arvind Kejriwal gets bail in Delhi excise policy case; AAP says ‘truth can be troubled, but not defeated’

Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal was granted bail on Thursday in a money laundering case linked to a now-scrapped excise policy.

The Rouse Avenue Court granted the Delhi chief minister bail on a bail bond of ₹1 lakh.

Welcoming the court's decision, the AAP said, “Truth can be troubled, but not defeated. Rejecting all objections of BJP's ED, the Hon'ble Court has granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister.”

Special Judge Niyay Bindu granted bail to Kejriwal after hearing the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which sought to link Kejriwal to the alleged proceeds of crime and co-accused.

However, due to a shortage of time today, the court did not pass any order on Kejriwal’s application to allow his wife to join proceedings through virtual mode when he is examined by the medical board, reported Live Law.

The central probe agency's special counsel, Zoheb Hossain, had prayed for a stay on the order until the ED exercises its legal remedies. However, the court rejected the request.

During the arguments, the ED told the court that on November 7, 2021, Kejriwal stayed at the Hotel Grand Hyatt in Goa during the assembly poll campaign, and Chanpreet Singh, who is alleged to have managed the AAP funds in the coastal state, paid the bill.

ED to move HC

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) will on Friday morning move Delhi High Court against trial court's judgement in Arvind Kejriwal case, reported ANI quoting official sources.

What did ED tell the judge?

The Enforcement Directorate told Special Judge Niyay Bindu that Kejriwal demanded a bribe. 

• We didn't arrest him despite him disobeying nine summons.
• The offence of money laundering has been committed beyond doubt because the court has taken cognisance and it has not been challenged.
• He asked for a bribe of ₹100 crore. 
• Kejriwal asked for funds for the AAP. 
• Kejriwal demanded kickbacks from South Group.
• You can't say he is not guilty of the offence. 
• The money has gone to Goa. It has gone to hawala dealers. 
• A larger chunk of the amount was paid in cash, which is also established. 
• The entire trail has been established.
• If the AAP commits a crime, then every person in charge of the party will be deemed to be guilty.

What Kejriwal's lawyer argued

• Kejriwal's counsel said the Supreme Court had granted the chief minister interim bail after being satisfied that there was no likelihood of him trying to escape justice or influence the investigation or witnesses. 
• Kejriwal has no criminal antecedents.
• There were contradictions in the statements made by several co-accused in the case.