The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is poised to make a significant move in the ongoing investigation into the money laundering case linked to the now-defunct liquor policy, with the submission of its first chargesheet against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. This development marks a pivotal moment as Kejriwal is set to be formally named as an accused in the case for the first time.
The ED’s anticipated action aligns with a crucial Supreme Court session scheduled for Friday, wherein the interim bail plea of the Delhi Chief Minister in connection with the liquor policy case will be deliberated. Within the forthcoming chargesheet, Kejriwal is expected to be designated as a ‘kingpin’ and a principal conspirator in the liquor policy saga. The investigative agency asserts that it has uncovered a money trail directly linked to Kejriwal, underscoring his alleged involvement in the illicit financial transactions under scrutiny.
During the proceedings on Wednesday, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, heading the Supreme Court bench, directed Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, representing the ED, to prepare his arguments for Friday’s session. Justice Khanna affirmed, “We will pronounce the interim order [on interim bail] on Friday. The main matter related to the challenge to arrest will also be taken on the same day,” underscoring the significance of the impending decision.
Kejriwal’s plea for interim bail faced a setback on Tuesday as the Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices Khanna and Dipankar Datta, deferred issuing an order granting him interim bail to facilitate his participation in the Lok Sabha elections campaign. The bench expressed apprehension about the potential conflict of interest if Kejriwal were to resume his official duties while on interim bail, highlighting the complexities inherent in his dual roles as a political figure and a defendant in a legal case.
Arrested by the ED on March 21 in connection with the liquor policy case, Kejriwal has been remanded to Delhi’s Tihar Jail pending further legal proceedings. As the case unfolds, all eyes remain on the Supreme Court’s forthcoming ruling and the impending chargesheet, which are poised to shape the trajectory of this high-profile legal battle.
