Campaigning right non-fundamental, says ED to SC while opposing Kejriwal’s interim bail
THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK New Delhi, May 9: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) voiced its opposition in the Supreme Court on Thursday…
Image: Daily Excelsior
THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, May 9: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) voiced its opposition in the Supreme Court on Thursday against granting interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a money-laundering case related to an alleged excise policy scam. The ED contended that the right to campaign in elections is neither fundamental nor constitutional.
The ED said that no political figure has ever been given temporary release for campaigning, even if he is not contesting polls, in a new affidavit that was filed in the highest court.
The ED said, “It is relevant to note that the right to campaign for an election is neither a fundamental right nor a constitutional right and not even a legal right”.
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“No political leader has been granted interim bail for campaigning even though he is not the contesting candidate. Even a contesting candidate is not granted interim bail if he is in custody for his own campaigning,” ED mentioned in its affidavit.
Earlier on Wednesday, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, leading the bench overseeing Kejriwal’s petition contesting his arrest in the case, stated, “We will pronounce the interim order (on interim bail) on Friday. The main matter related to the challenge to arrest will also be taken on the same day.”
On May 7, the bench, including Justice Dipankar Datta, after hearing arguments from both sides on interim bail for Kejriwal reserved its judgment.
Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested CM Arvind Kejriwal on March 21 and he is currently in judicial custody and is presently held in Tihar Jail.
