Arvind Kejriwal granted interim bail until June 1; live updates on hearing.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s recent bail plea has captured the attention of the nation as the Supreme Court granted him interim bail for 21 days, permitting him to engage in campaign activities for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Kejriwal, the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has been directed by the apex court to surrender on June 2, a day following the conclusion of the seven-phased Lok Sabha elections.
The Supreme Court’s deliberation shed light on the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) delayed action in arresting Kejriwal. The bench, comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta, pointed out that although the central probe agency had registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) in August 2022, Kejriwal was only apprehended in March 2024.
Justice Khanna, commenting on the delay, remarked, “For about one and a half years he was there… The arrest could have been made afterward or before.”
Kejriwal, seeking release from Tihar jail to actively participate in election campaigning, was arrested on March 21 by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money laundering case associated with the alleged liquor policy scam.
Presently held in judicial custody at Tihar jail, Kejriwal’s bail plea has become the subject of intense scrutiny, with legal experts closely monitoring developments in the case.
The Supreme Court’s decision to grant interim bail to Kejriwal carries significant implications for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, as it enables him to resume his political activities ahead of the polls. Under Kejriwal’s leadership, the AAP has been vigorously campaigning across various constituencies, positioning itself as a viable alternative to the incumbent government.
Kejriwal’s arrest has injected a new dynamic into the political arena, with his supporters rallying behind him and decrying what they perceive as politically motivated allegations. The interim bail provided by the Supreme Court offers Kejriwal temporary relief, allowing him to re-enter the electoral arena and galvanize support for his party’s candidates.
However, the legal battle is far from over, as Kejriwal’s case continues to unfold in the courts. The Supreme Court’s observations regarding the ED’s handling of the matter raise questions about the timing and motivations behind Kejriwal’s arrest, sparking further speculation and debate within political circles.
As the Lok Sabha elections progress, Kejriwal’s release on interim bail injects fresh vigor into the AAP’s campaign, providing optimism to supporters and signaling a renewed emphasis on critical electoral issues. With polling concluding in a matter of days, Kejriwal’s active involvement in the campaign could prove pivotal in shaping the electoral outcome in select constituencies.
In the weeks ahead, all eyes will be on Kejriwal as he navigates the legal challenges and leverages his interim bail to bolster the AAP’s electoral prospects. The Supreme Court’s decision sets the stage for a gripping showdown between political adversaries, with Kejriwal’s future hanging in the balance as the electoral contest escalates.