Supreme Court grants interim bail; Kejriwal to remain in jail in CBI case
The Supreme Court granted interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday in the money laundering case involving the alleged excise policy scam, stating that the AAP supremo “suffered incarceration of 90 days”. However, Kejriwal will remain in Tihar Jail because he was also arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the alleged scam.
A Supreme Court bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta referred Arvind Kejriwal’s plea challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to a larger bench.
Mere interrogation did not allow for arrest, says Supreme Court
The Supreme Court ruled that mere interrogation did not allow for arrest.
“Given that the right to life is concerned and since the matter is referred to a larger bench, we direct Arvind Kejriwal to be released on interim bail,” Justice Khanna said.
Also read: Supreme Court judge recuses from hearing Sisodia’s bail plea
However, the bench underlined that the larger bench had the authority to modify the issue of interim bail.
“Arvind Kejriwal has suffered incarceration for more than 90 days. He is an elected leader, and it is up to him whether he wants to continue in the role or not,” Justice Khanna further added.
The ED case against Kejriwal?
The ED arrested the Delhi Chief Minister in a dramatic fashion on March 21, alleging that AAP leaders, including Kejriwal, plotted a criminal conspiracy to create loopholes in the now-scrapped Delhi liquor policy to favour some liquor companies in exchange for unfair favours.
In May, the same Supreme Court bench granted Kejriwal interim bail for two weeks, allowing him to campaign for the Lok Sabha elections. The AAP supremo returned to Tihar Jail after his release period expired.
On June 20, a trial court in Delhi granted Arvind Kejriwal bail and ordered his release. Special Judge Niyay Bindu stated that the ED had failed to provide any direct proof linking Kejriwal to the proceeds of the crime.
The judge also stated that the ED was functioning with bias against Kejriwal. However, the Delhi High Court delayed the ruling on June 25.
