The Delhi High Court has rejected the bail pleas of Zeeshan Haider and Daud Nasir, arrested in a money laundering case related to alleged irregularities in Delhi Waqf Board recruitment. The court stated that there was sufficient evidence to implicate them under the anti-money laundering laws. It also noted that Amanatullah Khan, the AAP MLA, had conspired with his associates to invest the proceeds of crime in properties through them. The case stems from CBI FIR and three Delhi Police complaints against Khan and four others.
In a show of unity, various opposition leaders have publicly shown their backing for Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal following the Supreme Court's decision to grant him interim bail. This comes amidst a heated political atmosphere in the country, with the opposition parties and government at loggerheads over various issues. Kejriwal's supporters see this as a major win for the embattled leader, while his detractors continue to criticize him for his actions.
As the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections took place in 93 constituencies, a voter turnout of 60.19% was recorded till 5 p.m. Despite sporadic incidents of violence in West Bengal, Assam and West Bengal witnessed the highest turnout at 74.86% and 73.93%, respectively. Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India directed social media platform 'X' to take down a video shared by the Karnataka unit of BJP over the row on reservation for the Muslim community. The Supreme Court also did not grant interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case, stating that the matter will be further heard on May 9.
The Delhi Waqf Board appointment scam has taken another turn as Aam Aadmi Party MLA Amanatullah Khan was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate after several summons. A raid at the homes of his close acquaintances found cash and a diary mentioning crores of rupees in transactions, raising suspicions of unlawful use of Delhi Waqf Board funds. This is not Khan's first encounter with the ED, and he has previously been arrested in September 2022 for corruption charges. The Delhi court has refused to grant him anticipatory bail, stating that everyone is subject to the same law.
CJI DY Chandrachud, speaking at the inauguration of the Arbitration Center in Prayagraj, highlighted the culture of subordination between the district judiciary and the High Court in Uttar Pradesh, and how it affects the grant of effective justice for litigants, especially those seeking bail. He also stressed the importance of proper and efficient infrastructure in district courts for effective dispensation of justice. The Chief Justice of India shared his experience as an administrative judge and highlighted the need for equal and fair treatment in the justice system.