Supreme Court Grants Interim Bail to Arvind Kejriwal Amidst Political Controversy

The Supreme Court granted interim bail to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case after significant incarceration. Former Law Minister Ashwani Kumar and AAP lauded the decision, while accusing BJP of conspiracies. The continuation of bail will be determined by a larger bench.

Former Law Minister Ashwani Kumar on Friday commended the Supreme Court's decision to grant interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case, calling it a correct move due to Kejriwal's extended time behind bars. Kumar emphasized that the bail aligns with constitutional principles.

"The interim order respects the constitution, ensuring individual liberty until necessary," Kumar stated, highlighting that the Supreme Court's decision will stand until reviewed by a larger bench. He also mentioned that the larger bench holds the authority to alter the interim bail order if necessary.

The apex court granted interim bail to Kejriwal in the ED-registered case, linked to the defunct excise policy. The Aam Aadmi Party praised the court's decision and condemned the Bharatiya Janata Party for allegedly conspiring against AAP. Addressing the press, Delhi Minister Atishi urged the BJP to stop its supposed conspiracies and acknowledged that truth prevails despite attempts to hinder it.

Atishi accused the BJP of having Kejriwal arrested by the CBI to prevent his release and continued efficiency in serving Delhi. She asserted that all courts have exposed BJP's purported conspiracy and emphasized that truth cannot be defeated.

Justice Sanjiv Khanna's bench forwarded Kejriwal's arrest challenge to a larger bench, observing that Kejriwal, an elected leader, had already spent 90 days in incarceration. The Supreme Court reserved its judgment on May 17, following the High Court's dismissal of Kejriwal's plea on April 9.

Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21 in a money laundering probe related to the scrapped Delhi excise policy 2021-22. The High Court had previously rejected his claims of political vendetta.

(With inputs from agencies.)