According to the reports, the ED will file a chargesheet against Kejriwal on May 10 accusing him of being the key conspirator of the Delhi Liquor Policy Scam case. On the day ED is set to file the chargesheet against Delhi CM coincides with SC pronouncing the interim order on bail on Friday.
In the meantime, the ED argued on Thursday that the right to run for office is not fundamental nor constitutional, opposing the Supreme Court’s decision to grant Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal temporary release in a money-laundering case involving the purported excise policy scandal.
The ED claimed in a new affidavit submitted to the highest court that no political figure has ever been given temporary bail to campaign, even if they are not running for office.
“It is relevant to note that the right to campaign for an election is neither a fundamental right nor a constitutional right and not even a legal right,” the agency stated. It further stated that, to the best of its knowledge, “no political leader—despite not being the running candidate—has received interim bail for campaigning.” If a contestant is detained for campaigning purposes, they are not eligible for interim bail.
Kejriwal filed a petition against his detention on Wednesday, and Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who presided over the bench hearing the case, stated, “We will pronounce the interim order (on bail) on Friday.” On the same day, the primary issue pertaining to the arrest challenge will also be addressed.”
On March 21, the ED detained Kejriwal in relation to the liquor policy issue. He is being held at the Tihar Jail in Delhi.