The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi today denied interim bail to Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha in a case linked to money laundering associated with the excise policy. The decision was pronounced by Special Judge Kaveri Baweja on Monday, following the reserved order from April 4.

Kavitha had sought interim bail citing her 16-year-old son’s ongoing exams, emphasizing the need for her “moral and emotional support.” Represented by senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, she argued that the perspective of a mother cannot be substituted by other family members, citing Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) which allows bail to women accused under certain conditions.

Singhvi highlighted the emotional impact on the child due to the arrest of his mother, referencing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s discussions on exam pressure. However, opposing this plea, Enforcement Directorate’s counsel Zoheb Hossain argued that Kavitha, being a prominent politician, did not fit the profile of women lacking agency as per PMLA provisions.

Hossain further asserted that Kavitha was allegedly involved in bribery and benefited through proxies, backed by documents and WhatsApp chats. He emphasized the ongoing investigation’s sensitivity, stating that granting bail could disrupt the progress, especially as significant breakthroughs were imminent.

Regarding Kavitha’s son’s exams, Hossain pointed out that a substantial portion of the exams had already concluded and emphasized the presence of the father and elder brother for support. Kavitha was arrested on March 15 by the Enforcement Directorate, accused of being a key figure in the “South Group” allegedly involved in paying kickbacks to the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi in exchange for a substantial share of liquor licenses.