The Supreme Court granted interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal until June 1 in a money laundering case linked to the Delhi excise policy. Kejriwal, who is currently in Tihar jail after his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21, had filed a petition challenging his arrest and remand.
The ED had opposed the suggestion of granting interim bail to Kejriwal for campaigning in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The Supreme Court, however, hinted at granting interim bail during the hearing of Kejriwal's appeal on May 7.
In the case registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in 2022, it is alleged that a criminal conspiracy was orchestrated by AAP leaders, including Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, to manipulate the Delhi Excise Policy of 2021-22 to benefit certain liquor sellers.
Kejriwal's counsel argued that although he is not immune from prosecution as a Chief Minister, his rights should not be inferior to those of any other individual. The ED had contended that Kejriwal should not receive special treatment solely because he is a politician.
The Delhi High Court had previously rejected Kejriwal's plea, prompting his appeal to the Supreme Court. If granted interim bail, Kejriwal will not be permitted to carry out any official duties as Chief Minister.
