On Friday, the Supreme Court granted interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal until June 1 in connection with a money laundering case linked to the now-scrapped Delhi liquor policy. The verdict comes amidst the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, providing Kejriwal with an opportunity to actively participate in the electoral process.
The bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta pronounced the verdict after a brief hearing on Kejriwal’s interim bail plea. Kejriwal, who has been in Delhi’s Tihar Jail since March 21 following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), has been directed to surrender to the prison authorities by June 2.
Notably, the apex court’s decision is expected to have a significant impact on the electoral landscape, particularly in Delhi and Punjab, where the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) holds sway. The interim bail will enable Kejriwal to engage in campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections, with Delhi and Punjab scheduled to vote on May 25 and June 1, respectively.
During the hearing, the bench emphasised that the delay of 21 days in Kejriwal’s release would not make a substantial difference. The court’s ruling underscores the principle of equitable treatment, rejecting arguments about the timing of Kejriwal’s arrest in relation to the electoral process.
While Kejriwal’s legal team expressed optimism about his potential release from Tihar Jail, the Enforcement Directorate is expected to file its first chargesheet against him in the liquor policy case. The chargesheet is anticipated to mark a significant development in the legal proceedings, as Kejriwal faces allegations of being the “kingpin” of the purported scam.
The interim bail order from the Supreme Court is poised to shape the political discourse, with leaders from various parties extending support to Kejriwal and interpreting the verdict as a pivotal moment in safeguarding democratic principles.
