Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal Granted Interim Bail by Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has granted interim bail until June 1 to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case linked to the Delhi excise policy scam. Kejriwal’s wife, Sunita Kejriwal, expressed immense happiness at the news of his bail, calling it “a victory of democracy.”

A bench led by Justice Sanjiv Khanna recently informed Additional Solicitor General S V Raju, representing the Enforcement Directorate, that it intends to issue an order regarding interim relief for Kejriwal on Friday. Kejriwal was apprehended by the ED on March 21 in connection with a money laundering investigation pertaining to alleged irregularities in the (now-defunct) Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22.

The ED had lodged an affidavit in the Supreme Court opposing Kejriwal’s bail petition. The agency contended that the right to campaign during elections is neither a fundamental nor constitutional right. Kejriwal’s legal team vehemently opposed the ED’s affidavit. Nevertheless, the court dismissed the ED’s objection and granted bail to Kejriwal.

In granting interim bail to Kejriwal, the Supreme Court asserted that a lenient approach is warranted in light of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. The court emphasized that Kejriwal has no criminal record and does not pose a threat to society. Although facing serious charges, he has not been convicted. The court imposed certain conditions on Kejriwal, instructing him not to communicate with witnesses or access official documents. Kejriwal is required to provide a bail bond of Rs 50,000 along with one surety as part of the conditions for his interim bail.