In a dramatic turn of events, the Delhi High Court on Friday stayed the release of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on bail. This decision came after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) contested the trial court's bail order linked to the Delhi excise policy case.

Just a day earlier, a Delhi court had granted bail to CM Kejriwal on a bail bond of Rs 1 lakh in the controversial liquor policy scam case. Kejriwal, who was arrested by the ED on March 21 this year, had temporarily been out on bail during the Lok Sabha elections for campaigning purposes. He surrendered again on June 2, following the conclusion of the polling for the final phase of the general elections.

Currently, Kejriwal remains in Delhi's Tihar jail as the legal proceedings continue.

The ED escalated the matter to the High Court, opposing the Rouse Avenue Court's decision. According to Bar & Bench, the ED's plea was presented before a vacation bench consisting of Justices Sudhir Kumar Jain and Ravinder Dudeja. The central agency emphasized the urgency of their request, arguing that the lower court's bail order was issued at 8 PM without providing the ED a fair chance to contest the decision.

In response, the High Court issued an immediate stay on the bail order pending a thorough review of the case. The court has scheduled the matter for hearing later today, leaving Kejriwal's legal team and supporters in a state of anticipation.

This development marks a significant moment in the ongoing legal battle surrounding the Delhi excise policy case, with implications that could resonate beyond the courtroom.