Supreme Court Grants Interim Bail to Delhi CM Kejriwal; CBI Custody Continues

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been granted interim bail by the Supreme Court in the Delhi excise policy case but remains in CBI custody. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju clarified that the case has not concluded. AAP alleges a conspiracy by BJP, while court continues the judicial process.

Hours after the Supreme Court granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the Delhi Excise Policy case, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju clarified that the Aam Aadmi Party leader remains in judicial custody of the CBI. Rijiju emphasized that the apex court has neither acquitted Kejriwal nor declared his arrest illegal.

Speaking to ANI, Rijiju stated, "The Supreme Court has granted bail; however, Kejriwal hasn't been acquitted, and his arrest has not been termed illegal. The case has merely been referred to a larger bench. The proceedings against Kejriwal will continue, and he will have to face the consequences."

Rijiju further remarked that the Supreme Court's decision on Kejriwal's resignation as Chief Minister relied on his moral judgment. "The Supreme Court's observation on morality suggests a Chief Minister should resign when arrested, but leaves the decision to Kejriwal's conscience. The prosecution will pursue its case against him seriously," he added.

While the court granted interim bail in the excise policy case, Kejriwal remains detained on CBI charges. On Friday, the Rouse Avenue Court extended his judicial custody in the CBI case. AAP welcomed the Supreme Court's decision but criticized BJP, accusing it of conspiring to keep Kejriwal behind bars.

Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj described the Prevention of Money Laundering Act as a "black law" and indicated that the burden of proof now lies with CBI. Bharadwaj expressed confidence that Kejriwal would be out of jail soon, given the court's recent observations.

Kejriwal was initially arrested by the ED on March 21 in relation to alleged irregularities in the now-scrapped 2021-22 Delhi excise policy.

(With inputs from agencies.)