The Supreme Court on June 24 deliberated on Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s plea challenging the Delhi High Court’s interim stay on his bail, expressing reluctance to preempt the high court’s decision. Kejriwal’s counsel, senior advocate A.M. Singhvi, argued fervently for his client’s immediate release, citing the trial court’s favorable bail order and emphasizing Kejriwal’s status as Delhi’s Chief Minister, negating flight risk concerns.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED), opposing Kejriwal’s bail, underscored the trial court’s handling of the case as “high-profile,” highlighting procedural irregularities and urging the Supreme Court to await the high court’s final verdict. Despite reservations, Justice Manoj Misra agreed to defer to the high court’s pending judgment on June 25, delaying a decision until June 26, acknowledging the unusual circumstance of a reserved order affecting personal liberty. Kejriwal’s legal team criticized the high court’s swift interim stay, questioning the delay in justice and advocating for Kejriwal’s immediate relief from custody pending trial proceedings.