The Delhi High Court has temporarily suspended a trial court's order granting bail to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal in a case related to the now scrapped Delhi excise policy. The order came after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) challenged the trial court's decision. During the hearing, the ED cited live court reporting by Bar & Bench to argue that they were not adequately heard in violation of Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The High Court will reserve its detailed order for the next two to three days.
Delhi High Court Suspends Arvind Kejriwal's Bail in Excise Policy Case: Background and FAQs
Background
Former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal was granted bail on September 7, 2023, by a trial court in a case related to the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy. However, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) challenged the trial court's decision, arguing that they were not adequately heard in the matter.
On September 28, 2023, the Delhi High Court temporarily suspended the trial court's order granting bail to Kejriwal. The court will reserve its detailed order for the next two to three days.
FAQs
1. What is the Delhi excise policy case?
The Delhi excise policy case is related to allegations of irregularities in the formulation and implementation of the Delhi government's excise policy for the year 2021-22. The ED is investigating the case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
2. Why was Arvind Kejriwal granted bail?
On September 7, 2023, a trial court granted bail to Kejriwal after observing that there was no evidence against him of influencing witnesses or tempering with evidence.
3. Why did the ED challenge the bail order?
The ED argued that they were not adequately heard in the trial court proceedings, which is a violation of Section 45 of the PMLA. The ED claimed that it had not been given the opportunity to present its side of the case.
4. What is the next step in the case?
The Delhi High Court will reserve its detailed order in the case for the next two to three days. It is expected that the court will either uphold the suspension of bail order or reinstate Kejriwal's bail.
5. What are the potential implications for Kejriwal and AAP?
If the Delhi High Court upholds the suspension of bail order, Kejriwal will remain in jail until the trial is completed. This could potentially impact AAP's political fortunes in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.
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