BJP's Manoj Tiwari has voiced apprehensions regarding Arvind Kejriwal's potential to tamper with evidence upon being released from jail, citing the ongoing corruption case against the Delhi Chief Minister. The Supreme Court refrained from issuing a decision on interim bail for Kejriwal in the Delhi Excise Policy case, with a bench indicating that a future order will be determined in upcoming hearings.
During discussions on Kejriwal's eligibility for interim bail to enable him to campaign for elections, the court emphasized that his official duties should not interfere with the government's functioning. The judiciary expressed reluctance to grant interim relief if it would lead to conflict or disruption in governance operations, emphasizing non-interference in governmental activities. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta raised objections to the court's consideration of interim bail for Kejriwal, questioning the possible preferential treatment of politicians over ordinary citizens. Mehta underscored the importance of maintaining a level playing field for all individuals, regardless of their political status, to avoid undermining the morale of the common man.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) argued that the case against Kejriwal was not politically motivated but driven by evidence of financial irregularities. The ED highlighted Kejriwal's stay at a luxury hotel during the Goa Assembly election, where bills were allegedly funded by a party associate linked to cash transactions for AAP's campaign. Additionally, the ED stressed that their focus was on the evidence at hand rather than political considerations. Arvind Kejriwal was arrested for suspected money laundering related to the revoked Delhi excise policy and is currently in judicial custody at Tihar Jail.