Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has approached the Supreme Court on an urgent basis after his bail was suspended by the Delhi High Court in the excise policy case. His lawyers argue that this violates his fundamental right to personal liberty. The High Court had passed this order based on an appeal filed by the Directorate of Enforcement, just a day after the trial court granted him bail. The apex court had previously granted Kejriwal interim bail to campaign in the Lok Sabha election, which he complied with by surrendering on June 2.
Background:
Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, is embroiled in a legal battle related to the city's excise policy. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), India's federal financial crime investigative agency, has been investigating alleged irregularities in the formulation and implementation of the policy.
Current Case:
In September 2022, the ED arrested several individuals, including AAP leader Vijay Nair, in connection with the case. It alleged that the accused conspired to extend undue favors to liquor licensees in exchange for kickbacks.
On November 15, 2022, the Delhi High Court granted bail to Kejriwal, ruling that the ED had failed to provide sufficient evidence of his involvement. However, on November 16, the ED approached the High Court, seeking a suspension of Kejriwal's bail. The court granted the suspension, thereby reinstating Kejriwal's arrest.
Kejriwal's Response:
Kejriwal has vehemently denied the allegations against him. He has filed an urgent petition in the Supreme Court, arguing that the suspension of his bail violates his fundamental right to personal liberty. The matter is currently pending before the apex court.
Key Developments:
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