National Desk
10 May
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been granted interim bail by the Supreme Court in the money laundering case linked to the liquor scam. Kejriwal, who will remain out of jail until June 1, has been directed to surrender on June 2. The interim bail, secured on a personal bond of 50 thousand rupees, comes with several conditions.
Under the imposed conditions, Kejriwal must refrain from visiting the Chief Minister’s office and Delhi Secretariat. Additionally, the Lieutenant Governor is prohibited from signing any files without permission, and Kejriwal is barred from commenting on his involvement in the liquor policy scam or contacting any witnesses.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) opposed Kejriwal’s bail plea, arguing against granting special treatment to a leader over a common citizen. The ED’s objection was based on the principle of equality under Article 14, stating that granting interim bail based on the right to campaign would set a precedent for similar requests from other accused individuals.
The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal filed by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi on behalf of Kejriwal, who had sought interim bail until the declaration of Lok Sabha election results on June 4. Despite the rejection, Kejriwal’s interim bail provides him with temporary relief as legal proceedings in the case continue.