The Supreme Court granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday in connection with a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) FIR related to the Delhi government’s excise policy. The court mandated that Kejriwal furnish a bond of Rs 10 lakh.
The decision was made by a bench comprising Justice Suryakant and Justice Ujjwal Bhuyan, with the ruling reserved since September 5. Justice Bhuyan, in his remarks, emphasized the need for the CBI to shed its “caged parrot” image and highlighted concerns regarding the timing of Kejriwal’s arrest. The SC said he was apprehended by the CBI immediately after receiving bail in an Enforcement Directorate (ED) case.
Kejriwal had filed two petitions with the Supreme Court: one challenging the denial of bail and the other contesting his arrest by the CBI. He was previously arrested by the ED in March 2024 and secured bail from the Supreme Court on July 12. However, he was re-arrested by the CBI in June, which delayed his release.
Following the bail announcement, Sunita Kejriwal, Arvind Kejriwal’s wife, expressed her joy, congratulating the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) family and hoping for the release of other party leaders.
Delhi government minister Atishi stated, “Satyamev Jayate,” asserting that truth may face challenges but cannot be defeated. AAP leader Manish Sisodia remarked that “truth has won again in the fight against lies and conspiracies,” commending the foresight of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Recently, former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia also received bail after 17 months of incarceration, while Sanjay Singh was released earlier on bail. The AAP has accused the BJP of using central agencies to target opposition leaders with false allegations, a claim the BJP has dismissed, asserting that everyone is equal under the law.
In response to Kejriwal’s bail, Delhi BJP leader Virendra Sachdeva stated that despite being granted bail, Kejriwal should resign from his position as Chief Minister, questioning his ability to fulfill his responsibilities while facing legal challenges.
