Supreme Court hints at releasing Arvind Kejriwal on interim bail in view of elections

 Clarity on Kejriwal’s interim bail is expected to emerge on Tuesday when the court resumes hearing his appeal challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in the excise policy-linked money-laundering case

R. Balaji, TT, New Delhi, 04.05.24 : The Supreme Court on Friday hinted at releasing Arvind Kejriwal on interim bail in view of the elections and asked the Centre whether the Delhi chief minister could continue signing files from jail.

Clarity on Kejriwal’s interim bail is expected to emerge on Tuesday when the court resumes hearing his appeal challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in the excise policy-linked money-laundering case.

“We are not saying anything. We would like to consider grant of interim bail because of the elections. We may or may not grant bail. We are going to hear you. But if the hearing takes time, we may consider interim bail. We must be open to you, because neither side should be taken by surprise,” a bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta told additional solicitor-general S.V. Raju and senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singh.

Raju was appearing for the ED while Singh represented Kejriwal.

While indicating the possibility of interim bail, Justice Khanna asked Raju to seek instructions from the Centre on whether Kejriwal could continue signing files despite being in jail.

“Also please take instructions, because of the position he (Kerjiwal) holds, whether he should be signing official files,” Justice Khanna said.