In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India has granted interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged excise policy scam. The bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta acknowledged that Kejriwal had already suffered 90 days of incarceration in the case.
Despite the interim bail, Kejriwal will continue to remain in Tihar Jail due to another arrest made by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding a corruption case associated with the same alleged scam. The Supreme Court has referred Kejriwal’s petition challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to a larger bench for further consideration.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna, pronouncing the verdict, emphasized that mere interrogation does not justify arrest, particularly when fundamental rights such as the right to life are at stake. “Given the circumstances and pending reference to a larger bench, we direct Arvind Kejriwal to be released on interim bail,” Justice Khanna stated.
However, the bench clarified that the conditions of interim bail could be subject to modification by the larger bench overseeing the case. “Arvind Kejriwal has already spent more than ninety days in incarceration. As an elected leader, the decision to continue in his role is his prerogative,” the court further asserted.
Details of the ED Case Against Arvind Kejriwal
Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21 in connection with allegations of a criminal conspiracy involving AAP leaders to manipulate the Delhi liquor policy for undue benefits to certain liquor businessmen. The ED accused Kejriwal of being a key conspirator in devising the policy to favor specific individuals.
The probe agency alleged that funds obtained through the illicit scheme were channeled to AAP through illegal means, purportedly used for political campaigns, including the Goa Assembly elections. However, Kejriwal’s legal representative, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, argued that there was no substantial evidence linking the AAP to illicit financial activities through hawala channels as alleged by the ED.
Legal Proceedings and Bail History
Previously, the same Supreme Court bench had granted Kejriwal interim bail in May to facilitate his participation in the Lok Sabha elections campaign. Following the expiration of his bail period, Kejriwal returned to Tihar Jail. A trial court later granted bail to Kejriwal on June 20, citing a lack of direct evidence linking him to the proceeds of the crime. However, the Delhi High Court stayed this order on June 25, prolonging the legal battle for the Delhi Chief Minister.
The developments in Kejriwal’s case continue to unfold amidst ongoing legal scrutiny and political ramifications, highlighting the complexities of judicial proceedings involving high-profile figures in India’s political landscape.
