New Delhi: In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court of India granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the high-profile excise policy case. The ruling, delivered by a bench consisting of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan, reflects a split judgment on the legality of Kejriwal’s arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Justice Surya Kant upheld the legality of Kejriwal’s arrest but agreed to grant him bail on a bond of ₹10 lakh. However, he imposed strict conditions, including prohibiting Kejriwal from making any public statements regarding the ongoing case. In contrast, Justice Bhuyan voiced concerns over the circumstances surrounding Kejriwal’s arrest, suggesting it may have been timed strategically to undermine the bail previously granted to him in a related investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
The case centers on alleged irregularities in Delhi’s 2021-22 excise policy, which was subsequently withdrawn. Kejriwal’s arrest and the ongoing investigation have been a focal point of political controversy, with many Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders claiming that the charges are politically motivated.
AAP leaders, including Gopal Rai and Sanjay Singh, hailed the Supreme Court’s decision as a vindication of their stance. “Truth has prevailed,” they stated, reinforcing their belief that the charges against Kejriwal are part of a broader political vendetta.
This ruling marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal battle surrounding the excise policy case, as Kejriwal continues to navigate both the legal and political challenges ahead.
