A Delhi court granted bail to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday in a money laundering case linked to the alleged excise policy scam.
Earlier in the day, Vacation Judge Niyay Bindu of the Rouse Avenue Court had reserved her decision on CM Kejriwal's bail application.
The ED, after the court's order, urged a delay of 48 hours in signing the bail bond, so that an appeal could be filed. But the judge rejected the plea and directed that the bail bond be submitted to the duty judge on Friday as ordered.
Judge Bindu also addressed CM Kejriwal's application to have his wife, Sunita Kejriwal, present during his medical examination.
The court had initially stated on Wednesday that it would not reserve the bail order but extended CM Kejriwal's judicial custody after hearing extensive arguments on his regular bail plea.
"I will not reserve the order. Everyone knows it is a high-profile matter. I will pass the order after hearing it," Judge Bindu said, scheduling the continuation for Thursday.
On Wednesday, CM Kejriwal's counsel presented arguments, while the ED began its case but could not finish. The judge deferred the hearing to Thursday, citing other orders that needed attention.
The court further awaited a report from Tihar Jail on the application of CM Kejriwal for allowing his wife to meet him while undergoing a medical check-up. The Central agency clarified that it has nothing to do with the application.
Appearing for the CM, senior advocate Vikram Chaudhary argued that the whole prosecution case was resting on witnesses who "were allegedly assured bail on favouring the ED's case". He disputed the credibility of the witnesses, saying they gave their statements under duress after bail was refused.
Chaudhary further insinuated that there were political motives behind the arrest of CM Kejriwal just prior to the Lok Sabha elections. He further said that there was no material evidence or money trail produced and the investigation was "the biggest instrument of oppression."
ASG S.V. Raju, appearing for the ED, submitted that though CM Kejriwal had not been summoned as an accused, he stands charged after the special court took cognizance of the money laundering offence. He had argued that the veracity of statements by witnesses should be tested during the trial and not at the time of bail, and that inducements to approvers were legal and necessary in getting evidence. He had further alleged that not only personally but in his capacity as the head of the Aam Aadmi Party, CM Kejriwal was liable, introducing him as the leader who demanded a Rs 100 crore bribe.
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