Supreme Court Grants Interim Bail to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal Amid Election Season
The Supreme Court of India has provided interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal until June 1, 2024, amid the ongoing seven-stage Lok Sabha elections. Kejriwal, leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), was previously detained in connection with an alleged scam involving Delhi’s liquor policy. His arrest by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21 led to his placement in Tihar Jail. The apex court, dismissing concerns over the bail term, emphasized that a 21-day release period would not critically affect the case’s integrity.
Kejriwal’s interim release was met with approval from various political figures and opposition parties. The conditions set by the Supreme Court restrict him from visiting his office or the Delhi Secretariat and engaging with witnesses or related case files. However, he is permitted to participate in political activities, which includes campaigning for AAP in the upcoming elections for Delhi’s Lok Sabha seats currently held by the BJP.
The decision comes amidst accusations from Kejriwal and his party that the charges are politically motivated, designed to undermine AAP’s influence ahead of the elections. The Enforcement Directorate had opposed the bail, citing no special status for politicians and arguing that granting bail for campaign purposes could set a dangerous precedent. Meanwhile, Kejriwal’s legal team and supporters continue to assert his innocence and decry the alleged misuse of power by opposing political entities.
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