Arvind Kejriwal Granted Interim Bail

in Liquor Policy Scam

The Supreme Court has granted interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the ongoing liquor policy scam case. Despite this, Kejriwal remains in judicial custody due to another CBI case, preventing his immediate release.

The court emphasized that Kejriwal, who has been imprisoned for over 90 days, is an elected leader and his future actions are up to him.

Court’s Decision and Conditions

While granting interim bail, the Supreme Court referred Kejriwal’s petition challenging his arrest to a larger bench. The court highlighted the need for a deeper examination of the case and the evidence against him. The interim bail comes with specific conditions:

• Kejriwal must submit a bail bond of Rs 50,000.
• He is prohibited from visiting the Chief Minister’s Office and Delhi Secretariat.
• He cannot sign official files unless necessary for clearance or approval by the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.
• He must refrain from commenting on his role in the current case.
• He is barred from interacting with witnesses or accessing official files related to the case.
• The interim bail status can be extended or withdrawn by the larger bench.

Political Reactions

Following the Supreme Court’s decision, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders launched a sharp critique against the BJP, accusing them of a conspiracy to prevent Kejriwal’s release. Delhi minister Atishi stated that the arrest in the CBI case was orchestrated to hinder Kejriwal’s freedom.

In contrast, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj called for Kejriwal’s resignation from the Chief Minister’s post. She emphasized that the court found substantial evidence warranting an investigation, justifying the referral of the case to a larger bench.

Court’s Statement

The Supreme Court acknowledged the serious allegations against Kejriwal but refrained from issuing directives about his position as Chief Minister. The court stated that while the allegations are significant, it is up to Kejriwal to decide whether to continue in his role. The court left the door open for a larger bench to frame specific questions and decide on the conditions for such cases.

Future Implications

This development has significant implications for both Kejriwal and AAP. While the interim bail offers some respite, the continuation of the investigation and the conditions imposed by the court pose challenges. The larger bench’s forthcoming decisions will be crucial in determining Kejriwal’s political future and the party’s strategy moving forward.

Conclusion

Arvind Kejriwal’s interim bail in the liquor policy scam case provides temporary relief but comes with stringent conditions. As the case moves to a larger bench, the political and legal landscape for Kejriwal and AAP remains uncertain. The coming months will be critical in shaping their future in Delhi’s politics.

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External Source: business-standard.com