Health didn’t stop Kejriwal from campaigning: ED tells Court
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) opposed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s bail request in a money laundering case related to the now-defunct liquor policy on Thursday, claiming that his health did not prevent the AAP chief from campaigning “strenuously” for the Lok Sabha elections.
Kejriwal had filed a bail petition, seeking both interim and regular release, in the liquor policy case in which he was arrested by the ED on March 21. In the case, a Delhi court adjourned Kejriwal’s bail petition till June 1.
During today’s hearing at Rouse Avenue Court, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju stated that Kejriwal’s actions, while campaigning in Punjab, did not qualify him for bail.
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“There are several submissions to be made. The word used is “will surrender.” A lot of suppression needs to be brought to light. He is campaigning in Punjab. His ailment did not stop him from campaigning,” he said.
“Strenuous campaigning has been done. Last-minute bail is being filed, and his conduct does not entitle him to any bail,” he said.
Court issues ED notice to file response to Kejriwal’s plea
The court then directed the ED to prepare a response to Kejriwal’s bail application. Special Judge Kaveri Baweja instructed the central inquiry agency to respond to Kejriwal’s plea by Saturday.
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The judge also asked the ED’s response to Kejriwal’s request for interim bail for a week on medical grounds in the event that his regular bail application was denied.
On the other hand, Kejriwal’s lawyer stated, “The case can be continued on June 1.” “It can be kept in the morning.”
When the court questioned if it was problematic to schedule the hearing for 2 p.m. on June 1, Kejriwal’s counsel stated his client had a family engagement.
“We can have it at 2 pm on June 1. I will assume that you have accepted notice if you have sought time to reply,” the court told the ED.
