The Supreme Court of India granted Friday bail to the country’s opposition leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with multiple money laundering cases. Kejriwal has been in detention since March 2024, following allegations related to a liquor policy scam.
The court’s decision addressed two appeals concerning Kejriwal’s detention. Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan delivered separate judgements but both agreed on granting bail. However, the appeal that sought to challenge the legality of the arrest was dismissed. This resulted in the setting aside of the Delhi High Court’s judgment, which had denied him bail, and Kejriwal was granted bail subject to several conditions.
As part of the bail terms, Kejriwal is prohibited from making any public statements or comments regarding the merits of the case, which remains pending in court. This restriction aims to prevent him from creating self-serving narratives on public platforms while the trial is ongoing, though Kejriwal retains the right to present his arguments fully before the trial court. Further, he must comply with the conditions outlined in his interim bail order from May 2024.
Arvind Kejriwal was arrested on March 22, 2024, by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), India’s financial crime investigation agency, on allegations of money laundering related to the Delhi liquor policy scam. This policy, designed to increase revenue and combat alcohol counterfeiting, was revoked in August 2022 due to procedural concerns. Charging Kejriwal with money laundering, the ED alleged that the policy favoured private sellers who provided financial benefits to political leaders, including Kejriwal and his fellow party members.
Kejriwal was released from detention in the evening, welcomed by a large gathering of supporters outside the prison. After his release, Kejriwal stated that his time in prison has only strengthened his courage and determination and that the confinement had not weakened his resolve.
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