Arvind Kejriwal Granted Bail by Supreme Court in Delhi Liquor Policy Case

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been granted bail by the Supreme Court in the high-profile Delhi liquor policy case. The decision came after months of legal proceedings, providing a major relief for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader. This decision paves the way for Kejriwal’s release from Tihar Jail, where he had been held since his arrest in connection with the case.

The Allegations and Arrest

Kejriwal was arrested as part of a larger investigation into the alleged corruption surrounding the Delhi government’s excise policy. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have both been involved, with accusations that funds from the liquor policy were funneled into AAP’s campaign for the 2022 Goa Assembly elections.

Kejriwal was initially taken into custody by the ED on money laundering charges and later by the CBI in connection to corruption allegations. His arrest occurred in June, and he has been held at Tihar Jail since, despite earlier being granted interim bail in the ED case.

Supreme Court Ruling and Differing Opinions

The Supreme Court’s bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan, had differing opinions on Kejriwal’s arrest, but both judges agreed to grant him bail. Justice Kant ruled that prolonged imprisonment violated the fundamental principle of “liberty” and highlighted that “bail is the rule, and jail is the exception.” Meanwhile, Justice Bhuyan criticized the CBI’s actions, particularly the timing of the arrest, suggesting it was done to keep Kejriwal imprisoned despite his earlier bail in the ED case.

Kejriwal’s bail was granted on a bond of ₹10 lakh. He has been restricted from commenting publicly on the case or visiting the Delhi Secretariat to sign official files. This ruling comes after months of detention in Tihar Jail, where Kejriwal has been awaiting this court decision.

Political Ramifications and Upcoming Elections

This court victory arrives at a critical time for AAP, as they prepare for the upcoming Haryana and Delhi Assembly elections. Kejriwal’s imprisonment had dampened the party’s momentum, but his release is expected to boost AAP’s efforts to take on both the BJP and Congress. The party has always maintained that the allegations against its leader were politically motivated, and his release will likely energize its supporters.

Kejriwal is the latest in a string of high-profile politicians to be released on bail in the excise policy case, following fellow AAP leaders like Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh. His return to the political arena could be pivotal in the months leading up to the elections.

Criticism of CBI’s Role

Justice Bhuyan’s remarks about the CBI’s conduct were particularly sharp, with the judge referencing the agency’s past criticism as a “caged parrot.” The timing of Kejriwal’s arrest by the CBI — just as he was about to secure bail in the ED case — was seen as an attempt to keep him behind bars. This drew concerns about the agency’s objectivity and the broader implications of its role in high-profile political cases.

What’s Next for Kejriwal?

Kejriwal’s release from Tihar Jail marks a major turning point in the ongoing investigation. However, the case is far from over, and he is expected to face continued legal challenges as the investigation into the excise policy continues. For now, his release allows him to refocus on leading his party, particularly with key elections on the horizon in 2025.

The AAP leader’s legal and political battles will continue to unfold, but his bail offers some respite, providing him the opportunity to step back into his role as the head of the Delhi government.