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Arvind Kejriwal Granted Bail in Liquor Policy Case
Supreme Court Grants Bail
The Supreme Court has granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who had been in jail for six months over allegations in the liquor policy scam. Two months earlier, he had briefly been granted bail ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
Legal Arguments Presented
During the final hearing last week, Kejriwal’s lawyer, Abhishek Singhvi, argued that his client had met the “triple test” for bail. The court had also previously granted bail to Kejriwal in a related case involving the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
CBI’s Evidence
The CBI, however, continues to emphasize the substantial evidence it claims to have against Kejriwal. Much of the evidence comes from the testimony of former accused individuals who turned approvers in exchange for reduced sentences.
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Supreme Court’s Key Points
During the hearing, the Supreme Court raised three important questions regarding the case:
- Was Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest illegal?
- Should he be granted regular bail?
- Is the nature of the charges such that he should only appear in trial court?
Focus on Liberty
While delivering the decision, Justice Suryakant highlighted that Kejriwal’s arrest was not illegal but emphasized that prolonged incarceration is a violation of personal liberty. The court stressed the importance of a “sensitized judicial process.”
Supreme Court’s Ruling
On September 13, 2024, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of granting Kejriwal bail. Both Justice Suryakant and Justice Ujjal Bhuiyan delivered the final decision. The verdict concluded a series of hearings that sought to determine whether Kejriwal should remain in jail or be released on bail.
What’s Next?
With Kejriwal now out on bail, the focus will shift to the trial as the court deliberates on the charges against him. Meanwhile, the political and legal battle surrounding the alleged liquor policy scam continues.
