ED Opposes Interim Bail for Kejriwal, Asserts No Constitutional Right to Campaign

In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has strongly opposed the interim bail plea of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, stating that there exists no constitutional right for politicians to engage in election campaigns. The ED’s stance, articulated through Deputy Director Bhanu Priya in an affidavit filed before the Supreme Court, underscores the agency’s firm position on the matter.

The affidavit, submitted a day prior to the scheduled hearing of Kejriwal’s bail plea in the Delhi liquor policy case, emphasized that the privilege of campaigning during elections is not fundamental, constitutional, or legally guaranteed. Furthermore, the ED rebuked Kejriwal for employing similar excuses in the past to evade summons, citing ongoing elections in five states.

In a bold move, the probe agency is poised to file its initial chargesheet against Kejriwal in the liquor policy case, marking the first instance of the Chief Minister being formally accused in the matter. Notably, the ED argued against granting interim bail for election campaigning, contending that such leniency would undermine the rule of law and equality before it.

Highlighting the potential ramifications of granting special concessions to politicians, the ED cautioned against creating a dual class system in the country, where elected officials could exploit their status to evade legal scrutiny. Moreover, the agency underscored instances where politicians contested elections while in judicial custody, asserting that no special treatment was accorded to them.

Kejriwal’s arrest by the ED on March 21, in connection with the Delhi liquor policy case, has ignited a legal battle that now unfolds in the apex court. With the ED taking a resolute stance against interim bail, the outcome of the forthcoming hearing holds significant implications for the Chief Minister’s legal predicament and the broader discourse on political accountability.

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