In a significant development, the Supreme Court has granted interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal until June 1, coinciding with the final phase of voting for the 2024 Lok Sabha election. Kejriwal, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21 in connection with the alleged Delhi liquor excise policy scam and is currently detained in Tihar Jail, is required to surrender to prison authorities by June 2.
The court has also indicated that it will consider pleas to extend the relief beyond June 1 in the coming week. Kejriwal’s legal team had sought bail until July, which would encompass the election period and the formation of the new government.
In its decision to grant interim bail, the Supreme Court dismissed arguments regarding the duration of the release, stating, “Let us not draw parallels with other cases. At least 21 days will not make any difference.”
The Bench comprising Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Dipankar Datta specified that the bail conditions would mirror those imposed on Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, a colleague of Kejriwal who was arrested in October in connection with the same case and granted bail in early April.
Of significant note, Sanjay Singh was permitted to engage in political activities, including campaigning for the Aam Aadmi Party or AAP. Similarly, Kejriwal is expected to resume his political engagements once released from custody.
Kejriwal’s legal team had strongly advocated for his release to enable him to campaign for the AAP in the lead-up to the election for Delhi’s seven Lok Sabha seats, scheduled for May 25.
Sources suggest that Kejriwal could potentially be released from Tihar Jail as early as this evening, allowing him to resume his political activities ahead of the upcoming election.
