The Supreme Court on Tuesday raised questions regarding the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) delay in investigating the excise policy-linked money laundering case involving Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The court sought an explanation for the ‘delay’ and requested the agency to present case files pertaining to the period before Kejriwal’s arrest on March 21. The court also noticed the unusual situation of Kejriwal holding the position of Delhi Chief Minister while in judicial custody and stressed the need to carefully consider his interim bail plea. However, the ED opposed the Supreme Court’s stance, arguing against the creation of a separate class for politicians. Kejriwal has assured the court that he will not handle any files related to the excise policy scam if granted interim bail and that Delhi LG Vinai Kumar Saxena should not reject decisions solely due to the absence of his signature. The apex court did not issue a ruling on the interim bail request on Tuesday, and the matter is scheduled to be heard again next week. Meanwhile, a Delhi court extended Kejriwal’s judicial custody until May 20.
Supreme Court Queries ED’s Delay in Probe, Refrains Kejriwal from Official Duties on Interim Bail
