Delhi HC rejects plea seeking ‘extraordinary bail’ for Arvind Kejriwal, imposes Rs 75,000 fine

The Delhi High Court on Monday rejected a public interest litigation seeking “extraordinary interim bail” for Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in all the criminal cases against him till he completes his tenure or the trials come to an end, Live Law reported.

A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora also imposed a fine of Rs 75,000 on the petitioner. The petition was filed by a fourth-year law student under the name “We the people of India”.

“This court is of the view that the petitioner’s claim of being custodian of people is devoid of any basis,” the bench was quoted as saying by Bar and Bench. “The petitioner holds no power of attorney on behalf of the respondent 5 [Kejriwal] to furnish any personal bond.”

The bench also noted that the Delhi chief minister has the means to go to court, which he has already done.

“This court in writ jurisdiction cannot grant extraordinary interim bail in a pending criminal case initiated against a person holding high office,” the bench said.

Appearing for Kejriwal, Senior Advocate Rahul Mehra had also opposed the plea and said it was “completely impermissible”.

“Grant extraordinary bail in all matters...how can such a prayer be granted,” Mehra told the court. “Who is this person to come in this...

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