Date: September 13, 2024
Supreme Court Grants Bail to Arvind Kejriwal in Excise Policy Case
Supreme Court Approves Kejriwal’s Bail Plea
In a major legal development, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been granted bail by the Supreme Court of India. This follows corruption allegations related to the now-defunct Delhi excise policy of 2021-22. Kejriwal had been in judicial custody since June 26, 2024, following his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Charges Against Kejriwal
Kejriwal’s arrest stemmed from claims that he, along with other Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, had manipulated the excise policy to favor certain liquor lobbies. Allegedly, these adjustments were made in return for financial kickbacks, which were reportedly used to fund the AAP’s election campaign in Goa. This case had garnered significant attention, given Kejriwal’s prominent role in Delhi’s politics.
CBI and ED Involvement
While Kejriwal had already been granted interim bail in a money laundering case investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), he continued to remain in custody due to the CBI’s involvement in the excise policy case. The ED’s investigation had primarily focused on the money trail of the alleged kickbacks, whereas the CBI’s charges concerned the policy manipulation itself.
Denial of Bail by Delhi High Court Kejriwal choose Supreme Court
Earlier, Kejriwal had approached the Delhi High Court seeking bail, but his request was denied. The High Court suggested that he first present his case to the trial court before appealing at a higher level. Unwilling to wait for a lower court ruling, Kejriwal chose to directly appeal to the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court Ruling
After reviewing the case, the Supreme Court decided to grant Kejriwal bail, citing that the evidence against him was still under investigation and had not yet been proven in court. However, the legal battle is far from over as investigations continue into the alleged loopholes in the excise policy. The Court emphasized that the trial must proceed without delay to ensure a fair outcome.
Political Implications
This bail decision has far-reaching implications not only for Kejriwal’s legal standing but also for his political future. As a key figure in Delhi politics and the national leader of the AAP, his involvement in this case could impact the party’s image. The allegations of funding the AAP’s election campaign in Goa through illicit means could further complicate matters.
What’s Next?
As the legal process unfolds, Kejriwal’s legal team is expected to mount a strong defense. The CBI and ED investigations continue, and more information may come to light in the coming months.