Despite being granted bail by a lower court, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal remains in jail as the Delhi High Court has stayed the bail order. This decision came after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) challenged the lower court's ruling on Friday.

Kejriwal, who was arrested in connection with the excise corruption case, was granted bail on Thursday by a Delhi lower court on a bond of Rs 1 lakh. However, the ED quickly filed an urgent appeal against this decision with the Delhi High Court.

Following a hearing, the two-judge bench of the High Court ruled that no action should be taken by the lower court until the High Court has had a chance to thoroughly review the case. Consequently, Kejriwal's release from Tihar Jail, which was expected on Friday afternoon, has been postponed.

The stay on the bail order disrupted plans for a welcome gathering by Aam Aadmi Party leaders, including Kejriwal's wife, Sunita, who were planning to greet him at Tihar Jail at 4 PM.

Kejriwal's legal team argued that since his arrest in March, the ED has failed to provide substantial evidence against him. They highlighted that the Supreme Court had previously granted bail to Kejriwal to allow him to campaign in elections, following which he voluntarily returned to jail as per the bail conditions.

However, the ED's advocate, SV Raju, contended that the lower court had disregarded crucial documents submitted by the ED, which they claim provide evidence against Kejriwal. The High Court's decision to stay the bail order now hinges on a more detailed examination of these claims.

As it stands, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will remain in custody, with further proceedings expected as the High Court continues to evaluate the case.