Arvind Kejriwal Gets Interim Bail in Money Laundering Case, But Remains in Jail

Supreme Court Grants Relief, But Kejriwal Stays Behind Bars Due to CBI Arrest

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has won a partial legal victory as the Supreme Court granted him interim bail in a money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). However, the AAP leader will remain in jail as he has also been arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in a separate corruption case related to the alleged Delhi liquor policy scam.

The Supreme Court bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta referred Kejriwal 's petition challenging his arrest by the ED to a larger bench, but directed that he be released on interim bail. The court noted that Kejriwal has suffered incarceration for over 90 days and is an elected leader holding a constitutional post.

Bail Conditions for Kejriwal

As part of the bail conditions, Kejriwal must furnish bail bonds worth Rs. 50,000 and a surety of the same amount. He is also barred from visiting his office or the Delhi Secretariat and cannot sign official files unless it is necessary to obtain the Lieutenant Governor's approval.

The court, however, declined to rule on demands for Kejriwal 's resignation, stating that it is doubtful whether a court can direct an elected leader to step down or not function as a Chief Minister.

Kejriwal 's Continued Incarceration

Despite the Supreme Court's interim bail order, Kejriwal will remain in jail as he has also been arrested by the CBI in a corruption case related to the alleged Delhi liquor policy scam. The Delhi High Court has listed the matter for arguments on July 17.

The central probe agencies have claimed that irregularities were committed while modifying the Delhi government's excise policy for 2021-22 and that undue favors were extended to license holders. The Delhi government later scrapped the new liquor policy and reverted to the old one.

AAP's Response

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has hailed the Supreme Court's decision, terming it a "victory of truth" and exposing the "BJP conspiracy" against Kejriwal . The party has repeatedly denied the allegations against the Chief Minister, claiming the charges are untrue and unsubstantiated.

The legal battle surrounding Kejriwal 's arrests and the Delhi liquor policy case continues, with the Supreme Court's referral of the matter to a larger bench and the CBI's separate corruption case against the Chief Minister. The outcome of these proceedings will have significant political implications for Kejriwal and the AAP.

Key Takeaways

• Arvind Kejriwal granted interim bail by Supreme Court in money laundering case
• But Kejriwal to remain in jail due to separate CBI arrest in corruption case
• Bail conditions include not visiting office, not signing files without LG's approval
• Supreme Court declines to rule on demands for Kejriwal 's resignation
• AAP hails court decision as "victory of truth," claims BJP conspiracy