New Delhi, June 20 (Udaipur Kiran) – The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi has granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, accused in the Delhi liquor scam case. Duty Judge Nyaya Bindu issued the bail order.
During the court session, ED’s lawyer, Zoheb Hussain, requested a stay on the order until legal options could be explored by the ED. The court denied this request. After hearing arguments from both sides, the court had reserved its decision for today.
During the hearing, ASG SV Raju, representing the ED, claimed that ₹45 crore was provided through hawala channels and used during the Aam Aadmi Party’s Gujarat elections. Raju stated that Chanpreet Singh received money for Kejriwal’s stay at a seven-star hotel in Goa. Reading Sagar Patel’s statement, Raju mentioned that three individuals, including Chanpreet Singh, received funds. He added that the funds were used for Kejriwal’s hotel stay and the Goa elections. Raju emphasized that the ED was not making baseless claims, citing photographs of currency notes as evidence. According to Raju, Vinod Chauhan instructed Chanpreet and others to distribute the money, with photographs of the currency notes found on Chauhan’s phone. Raju noted the frequent phone conversations between Chanpreet and Vinod Chauhan, highlighting Chauhan’s close relationship with Kejriwal. Raju also referred to chats between Vinod Chauhan and Kejriwal.
Senior lawyer Vikram Chaudhary, representing Kejriwal, argued that the investigation began in August 2022, and by July 2023, the ED had some evidence against Kejriwal. However, the first summons was issued in October 2023. The CBI called Kejriwal as a witness, and on January 12, the ED sent an email without specifying that Kejriwal was being summoned as the convener of the Aam Aadmi Party. On March 16, the election announcement was made, and the same day, summonses were issued. The High Court listed the case on March 20, issuing a notice to the ED, and on March 21, denied interim relief. Subsequently, on the evening of March 21, the ED arrested Kejriwal.
On May 30, the court issued a notice to the ED while hearing Kejriwal’s interim and regular bail applications. On May 29, the Supreme Court refused to accept Kejriwal’s seven-day interim bail application, noting that the decision on Kejriwal’s arrest challenge had already been reserved. The Supreme Court permitted Kejriwal to approach the trial court for regular bail. On May 10, the Supreme Court had granted Kejriwal interim bail until June 1, ordering him to surrender on June 2, which he did.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.