Major Relief for Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal

Supreme Court Grants Interim Bail

In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India has granted interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal until June 1, 2024. This decision comes in light of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, allowing Kejriwal to participate in election campaigning. The apex court's bench, comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta, issued this order despite opposition from the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Background of the Case

Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21, 2024, in connection with a money laundering case linked to the Delhi excise policy. The policy, which was introduced in 2021, has been mired in controversy and allegations of corruption. The ED argued against granting interim bail, stating that politicians should not be given any special treatment over ordinary citizens. The court, however, acknowledged the unique circumstances of the case, noting that Kejriwal had not been convicted and had no prior criminal record.

Court's Decision

The Supreme Court bench emphasized the importance of the ongoing general elections, stating that denying bail could adversely affect the democratic process. While granting bail, the court imposed several conditions on Kejriwal:

• He must surrender on June 2, 2024.
• He is prohibited from visiting the Chief Minister's office and the Delhi Secretariat.
• He cannot sign official files unless necessary for approval from the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.
• He must not make any comments regarding his role in the case or interact with witnesses.

Reactions and Implications

The decision was met with jubilation by Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and supporters, who viewed it as a triumph of truth. AAP leaders and members of the INDIA bloc celebrated the ruling, expressing hope for a positive impact on their election campaign. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, however, downplayed the release, emphasizing that it was interim bail and not an acquittal.

Kejriwal's wife, Sunita, expressed gratitude to supporters, crediting the interim bail to the prayers and blessings of the public. The decision is expected to boost AAP's campaign efforts, with Kejriwal actively participating in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections scheduled for May 25.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court's decision to grant interim bail to Arvind Kejriwal underscores the judiciary's consideration of the broader democratic context while ensuring adherence to legal protocols. As the political landscape evolves, this development marks a significant moment in India's democratic process.