Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been granted regular bail by the Supreme Court in connection with a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case related to a scrapped excise policy. The court acknowledged that while there were differing opinions on the legality of his arrest, both judges agreed that holding him in custody violated his right to personal liberty. Justice Bhuyan voiced concerns about the timing of the arrest, suggesting it was intended to frustrate Kejriwal’s release from another case. The court imposed conditions on Kejriwal’s bail, including a bond of ₹10 lakh and restrictions on visiting government offices and making public comments about the case, emphasizing the need for transparency from the CBI.
The Supreme Court has granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a case linked to the now-abandoned excise policy. This decision was made on September 13, 2024, as Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan agreed to release him, though they disagreed on the legality of his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Justice Kant emphasized that Mr. Kejriwal must avoid visiting his office or signing official documents without the approval of Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor. These restrictions were initially set in a previous case involving money laundering. On the other hand, Justice Bhuyan expressed doubts about these conditions but chose not to dispute them further since they were already established.
While Justice Kant believed the CBI’s actions were lawful, Justice Bhuyan raised concerns over the timing of Kejriwal’s arrest—which occurred over two years after the investigation began. He questioned whether the arrest was genuinely necessary, stating that the accused has the right to remain silent without facing negative assumptions.
The Supreme Court also highlighted that keeping Mr. Kejriwal in custody would violate his right to personal liberty, especially since the trial is not expected to conclude anytime soon. The judges dismissed the CBI’s claims that he might influence witnesses or tamper with evidence.
In conclusion, Kejriwal is ordered to pay bail bonds of ₹10 lakh but is prohibited from discussing the CBI case publicly to maintain the integrity of the ongoing legal process.
This ruling is significant, reflecting both the judiciary’s commitment to personal liberty and scrutiny of the investigative practices of agencies like the CBI.
Tags: Kejriwal, Supreme Court, Bail, CBI, Excise Policy, Delhi Politics, Justice Bhuyan, Justice Kant.
-
What did the Supreme Court decide about Arvind Kejriwal’s case?
The Supreme Court granted bail to Arvind Kejriwal in the Delhi excise policy case. -
Why was Kejriwal in trouble regarding the excise policy?
Kejriwal was accused of involvement in irregularities related to the Delhi government’s liquor policy. -
Does this bail mean Kejriwal is free from all charges?
No, getting bail does not mean he is free from charges; he still has to face the legal process. -
What happens next after the bail?
After the bail, Kejriwal will continue to attend court hearings and respond to the charges against him. - How does this bail affect his role as Chief Minister?
The bail allows Kejriwal to continue his duties as Chief Minister while he deals with the legal case.
