In a jolt to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, the Delhi High Court today paused his release from the Tihar Jail on bail, granted by the Rouse Avenue Court on June 20.

Delhi CM’s release was scheduled this morning as the prison was closed when the bail was granted late evening on June 20, but was challenged by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is currently in prison in connection with a money laundering case related to the alleged excise policy scam. 

On June 20, during the bail arguments, senior advocate Vikram Chaudhary, representing CM Kejriwal, had contended that the case against him relied on statements from individuals who were allegedly promised bail for supporting the ED’s case.

He had also questioned the credibility of these witnesses and suggested their statements were made under duress after failing to obtain bail. 

Chaudhary also cited the timing of CM Kejriwal’s arrest before the Lok Sabha elections, suggesting it was politically motivated.

He argued that there was no material evidence or money trail against CM Kejriwal, describing the investigation as "the biggest instrument of oppression".

Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, representing the ED, had argued that CM Kejriwal had not been summoned as an accused but was now facing charges after the special court took cognisance of the money laundering offence.

He had said that the credibility of the statements could only be assessed during the trial, not at the bail stage while adding that inducements given to the approvers were lawful and necessary for obtaining evidence.

He argued that CM Kejriwal was liable not only in his personal capacity, but also as the head of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), alleging he had demanded a bribe of ₹100 crore.

(with inputs from syndicated feed)

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Excise policy case: Delhi court extends CM Kejriwal's judicial custody till July 3