Supreme Court Grants Interim Bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal
The Supreme Court on Friday granted interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal until June 1 in connection with the money laundering case linked to the now-defunct Delhi liquor policy. Kejriwal, who is currently incarcerated in Tihar Jail, is expected to be released today but must report back to prison authorities on June 2.
The verdict, delivered by a bench comprised of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta, followed a brief hearing of Kejriwal's plea. Kejriwal had challenged his arrest in the liquor policy case and sought interim bail to participate in election campaigning for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.
Kejriwal's Release Expected to Boost AAP's Electoral Prospects
The interim bail will provide significant electoral impetus to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), as Kejriwal will now be able to campaign for the party in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, particularly in Delhi and Punjab, where the AAP holds power. Delhi and Punjab will vote on May 25 and June 1, respectively.
Arrest and Subsequent Legal Proceedings
Kejriwal has been incarcerated in Delhi's Tihar Jail since March 21 after being arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on money laundering charges. During today's hearing, the Supreme Court bench directed Kejriwal to surrender his bail on June 2.
ED's Opposition and Future Chargesheet
The ED had vehemently resisted Kejriwal's plea for interim bail, arguing that the right to campaign is not fundamental. The ED is also expected to file its first chargesheet against Kejriwal in the liquor policy case, implicating him as an accused.
Political Reactions to Bail Grant
The INDIA bloc, of which the AAP is a member, expressed support for Kejriwal's interim bail. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee praised the decision, while Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray saw it as a sign of winds of change. The Congress also welcomed the verdict, alleging that the BJP had attempted to thwart Kejriwal's election campaigning.
Procedural Steps for Kejriwal's Release
Kejriwal's lawyer will now approach the trial court to obtain the official release order, which will then be transmitted to the Tihar Jail administration. Kejriwal's release is expected to occur today after the necessary approvals are granted.
