Supreme Court Grants Interim Bail

• Supreme Court grants interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal until June 1 in a money laundering case related to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam.
• Kejriwal is asked to surrender to the prison authorities by June 2.
• A detailed order over the matter is expected to be passed soon by a Bench comprising Justices Khanna and Dipankar Datta.

Court’s Observations

• Justices Khanna and Dipankar Datta caution against Kejriwal exercising official duties or signing files if he obtains interim bail, citing potential cascading effects.
• The court raises concerns about the implications of granting bail to politicians engaged in campaigning, noting that it could encourage criminal behavior among politicians throughout the year.

ED’s Opposition

• The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) opposes the grant of interim relief to Kejriwal, arguing that it could incentivize criminal politicians to remain in campaign mode year-round.
• ED files a 44-page affidavit, asserting that granting bail for campaigning would undermine the law enforcement process.

Legal Proceedings

• AAP lodges a complaint with the Supreme Court’s registry, alleging a “blatant disregard of legal procedures” by the ED in filing the affidavit, considering the matter’s impending final decision.
• Kejriwal’s arrest on March 21, shortly after the Model Code of Conduct for the general election was declared on March 16, remains under scrutiny.

Key Dates

• Kejriwal’s current remand in Tihar jail extends until May 20, with the Chief Minister likely to be released by 5:30 p.m.
• Kejriwal is scheduled to surrender and return to jail on June 2, as per the Supreme Court’s directive.

Published – May 10, 2024 10:53 am IST Updated – May 10, 2024 04:43 pm IST

Supreme Court Grant Interim Bail to Arvind Kejriwal in Excise Policy Case

Stay updated with the latest developments in the case of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest. The Supreme Court has granted interim bail until June 1 in the money laundering case, with Kejriwal set to surrender to authorities by June 2. Get insights into court proceedings, legal observations, and opposition perspectives.