The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has submitted an affidavit in the Supreme Court opposing interim bail for Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, stating that the right to campaign for elections is “not a fundamental right.” The affidavit was filed a day before the Supreme Court is set to hear Kejriwal’s bail plea in the Delhi liquor policy case. It argues that granting bail for campaigning would undermine the rule of law and equality.
The ED contends that allowing politicians to use campaigning as a reason for bail would enable them to evade investigation and create a privileged class distinct from ordinary citizens. The agency also notes that politicians have successfully contested elections while in judicial custody without being granted interim bail.
Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 in connection with the liquor policy case, with the ED alleging his involvement in demanding kickbacks from liquor barons. The agency is expected to file its first chargesheet against Kejriwal in the case, marking the first time he is named as an accused.
