By – Prakarsh Kastwar
On March 21, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Arvind Kejriwal in connection with a money laundering investigation related to claimed irregularities in the Delhi Excise Policy 2021–2022.
Considering the election disorder, there is good news for Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The Supreme Court has granted Kejriwal temporary release until June 1, pending an ED investigation into the money laundering case involving the Delhi Excise Policy fraud.
A court appointed by Justice Sanjiv Khanna recently informed Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, counsel for the Enforcement Directorate, that it may issue orders granting Kejriwal interim relief on Friday. The ED arrested Kejriwal on March 21 in connection with a money laundering investigation involving alleged irregularities in the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22.
Recently, the ED filed a declaration in Supreme Court challenging Kejriwal’s bail action. In this regard, the central agency stated that the freedom to campaign in elections is neither a fundamental nor constitutional right. At the same time, Kejriwal’s legal team expressed significant opposition to the ED affidavit. However, despite the ED’s objections, the court granted Kejriwal interim release.
There is no constitutional right to campaign for elections.
The ED said in the affidavit, ‘It is important to remember that the right to campaign for elections is not a basic right, a constitutional right, or even a legal right. Under the facts and legal reasons presented above, the request for interim bail should be denied because it would violate established legal rules that are fundamental to the Constitution. Granting interim bail only for political election campaigning would go against the principle of equality and be discriminatory, as every citizen’s occupation, business, profession, or activity is equally important to him.
All imprisoned politicians may apply for release.
ED had stated that it is impossible to understand that the labor of a small farmer or businessman is less essential than the campaign of a political leader who admits that he would not run for office. It stated that if Kejriwal is granted interim relief because he is a politician campaigning for his party in the Lok Sabha elections, there is no doubt that all other jailed politicians will demand similar relief, claiming that they, too, fall into this category.
Special items…
- The Supreme Court has ordered Kejriwal to keep away from commenting on his involvement in the excise duty policy fraud money laundering case.
- The Supreme Court stated that Kejriwal will not visit the Chief Minister’s Office or the Delhi Secretariat.
- AAP leader Jasmine Shah said that there was a political plot. The Supreme Court’s ruling is historic.
- AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj described the Supreme Court judgment as a miracle. Kejriwal enjoys the blessings of Lord Bajrangbali. This is an indication of significant change in the country.
- AAP leader Atishi described the Supreme Court’s ruling as a victory for truth and democracy. The country’s dictatorship would come to an end with the Lok Sabha elections. At the same time, AAP leader Gopal Rai stated that the Supreme Court’s judgment provides a glimmer of hope for those who love their country. There is a cheerful vibe in your workplace.