Supreme Court Grants Bail to Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi Excise Policy Case
On September 13, 2024, the Supreme Court of India granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the Delhi Liquor Policy Case, a high-profile investigation into alleged corruption. The bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan, delivered a split judgment on the procedural legality of Kejriwal’s arrest by the CBI.
Justice Surya Kant upheld the arrest, citing compliance with Section 41 of the Criminal Procedure Code and validating the magistrate-issued arrest warrant. He dismissed arguments challenging the procedure, emphasizing that the arrest followed due process.
However, Justice Ujjal Bhuyan criticized the timing of the arrest, pointing out that the CBI had delayed arresting Kejriwal for 22 months, moving only after his release in a related ED case. Justice Bhuyan stated that this raised serious concerns, labeling it as a potential “targeted harassment” to frustrate the earlier bail.
The court imposed bail conditions similar to those in the ED case, barring Kejriwal from visiting the Delhi Secretariat or his Chief Minister’s Office, underscoring the need for judicial discipline.
This ruling has generated mixed reactions. While AAP supporters view it as a victory for justice, opposition parties continue to question the legitimacy of the case, reflecting ongoing political tension.
Reactions to Arvind Kejriwal’s Bail in Delhi Excise Case
The Supreme Court’s decision to grant bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has sparked diverse reactions across political circles.
1. AAP Leaders: Members of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) hailed the judgment as a vindication of their leader. Manish Sisodia, former Deputy CM of Delhi, tweeted, “Justice prevails! This is a slap in the face of those who misuse central agencies for political gains. The truth will come out.”
2. Opposition Leaders: Leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized the ruling. Manoj Tiwari, BJP MP from Delhi, commented, “Bail is not a clean chit. The court must dig deeper into the corruption that has eroded public trust in the Delhi government.” Similarly, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva questioned Kejriwal’s commitment to transparency, calling for his resignation.
3. Congress Reaction: Ajay Maken, senior Congress leader, expressed concern, stating, “This is a clear example of systemic corruption. The judiciary has played its part, but the truth behind the excise policy scam is still shrouded in secrecy. Kejriwal should step down and let the law take its course.”
4. Political Analysts: Several political commentators have weighed in, noting that the ruling reflects the ongoing friction between state and central governments. Yogendra Yadav, political activist, highlighted, “This is not just about one policy but about the misuse of investigative agencies for political purposes.”
The case remains a flashpoint in Delhi’s political landscape, and reactions from various quarters underscore the deep polarization over this issue.
