Arvind Kejriwal Granted Interim Bail by Supreme Court in Delhi Liquor Scam Case
New Delhi, 11 May, 2024: In a significant development, the Supreme Court has given interim relief to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in relation to the liquor scam case. It has granted him interim bail up to June 1st while hearing his plea. This will come as a huge sigh of relief for Kejriwal, who is fighting for bail as he faces arraignment following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on matters concerning the same scam.
Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta announced their judgment soon after they commenced proceedings today. The significant turning point in this case has been reached with the court granting Arvind Kejriwal temporary freedom until June 1st’.
In a statement following the court ruling, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who is Kejriwal’s attorney, informed that the election results will be out by June 4, thus prompting Justice Khanna to observe campaign cessation rules within 48 hours prior to the polling date. But still, ASG Raju stressed Kejriwal’s silence, whereas Justice Khanna added that Kejriwal may counter these arguments just like it happened in the Sanjay Singh case.
Justice Khanna emphasized that a difference of 21 days would not significantly impact the case, to which SG Mehta expressed concern over Kejriwal refraining from commenting and urged him to surrender. Senior Counsel Chaudhary suggested maintaining contact with jail authorities.
Subsequently, Justice Khanna gave permission to Kejriwal to surrender on June 2nd. SG Mehta repeated that there was no history of granting bail for campaign purposes. Justice Khanna repeated the complexities and issued the order.
Detailed conditions will be available after the issuance of the formal order, including: allowing Kejriwal to campaign nationwide during his release, refraining from making any statements, and surrendering on June 2nd.
At the same time, Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, expressed her joy at the news that Kejriwal had been granted interim bail, saying that doing so would be helpful in view of the ongoing elections.
