(Image source from: Ndtv.com)

The Delhi High Court has put a hold on Arvind Kejriwal's bail order in a corruption case related to the Delhi Liquor Policy, until a hearing on the Enforcement Directorate's petition. The probe agency challenged Mr. Kejriwal's bail just before he was set to be released from Tihar Jail. The ED requested an urgent hearing before a bench of justices, regarding their petition against the trial court's bail order. The High Court has stated that the trial court's order will not be implemented until the petition is heard. Arvind Kejriwal's wife, Sunita Kejriwal, and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders had planned to visit Tihar Jail at 4 pm today to welcome the Delhi Chief Minister. A Delhi court had previously ordered Mr. Kejriwal's release on a personal bond of ₹ 1 lakh, with certain conditions, including not interfering with the investigation or influencing witnesses. The court had accepted Mr. Kejriwal's argument that the probe agency has not presented sufficient evidence since his arrest on March 21. This bail order came after multiple rounds in trial courts, where Arvind Kejriwal had been repeatedly denied bail.

Despite demands from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party for him to step down, the Minister remained in office. In May, the Supreme Court had granted the Minister temporary freedom to campaign for elections. He went back to prison just two days before the results were announced. The Enforcement Directorate arrested the Minister over accusations of money laundering while shaping the Delhi liquor policy for 2021-22, which was later abandoned after the Lieutenant Governor flagged concerns. The Enforcement Directorate claims the money the Minister obtained from liquor sellers was utilized to finance the party's campaign in Goa, as he is the convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party.