Supreme Court Grants Bail to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in Excise Policy Case

The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a corruption case filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) related to alleged irregularities in the city’s now-cancelled excise policy.

In its judgment, the apex court stated that prolonged incarceration amounts to an unjust deprivation of liberty, justifying the decision to release Kejriwal on bail. The Supreme Court had reserved its verdict on September 5 after hearing arguments from both Kejriwal’s legal team and the CBI.

During the hearing, the CBI objected to Kejriwal’s decision to bypass the trial court and directly approach the Delhi High Court for bail. The High Court had previously upheld Kejriwal’s arrest, citing sufficient evidence and proper procedures followed by the CBI.

The High Court had also highlighted the potential influence that Kejriwal could exert on witnesses, noting that several witnesses had come forward only after his arrest. Despite his distinguished status as a Magsaysay Award recipient and the convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party, the High Court emphasized that Kejriwal’s position could potentially intimidate witnesses.

Kejriwal was initially arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21, 2024, in connection with a money laundering probe linked to the excise policy irregularities. He was subsequently arrested by the CBI on June 26, 2024, while still in ED custody.

With the Supreme Court’s decision, Kejriwal will now be released from jail and will be able to continue his duties as the Chief Minister of Delhi.