CBI should work to shed ‘caged parrot’ image in Kejriwal’s case, says Justice Bhuyan
On September 13, 2024, the Supreme Court granted bail to Arvind Kejriwal in the CBI case related to the Delhi excise policy.The bail follows Kejriwal's arrest on June 26, 2024, while he was already in custody for a money laundering case linked to the now-scrapped excise policy.
Image credit:- thehindu
On September 13, 2024, the Supreme Court of India granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a corruption case linked to the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy. This decision marks a significant turning point for Kejriwal, who had been in custody since June 26, 2024, following his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan deliberated on Kejriwal's petitions, which challenged both his arrest and the denial of bail. While Justice Kant upheld the legality of the arrest, Justice Bhuyan expressed skepticism regarding its necessity, suggesting it was timed to thwart Kejriwal's earlier bail granted in a related money laundering case by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Justice Bhuyan emphasized that the CBI's actions raised serious questions about their motives and timing, urging the agency to operate transparently and without political influence.
The court ordered Kejriwal's release on a ₹10 lakh bail bond, alongside two sureties of the same amount. Additionally, it imposed a condition prohibiting him from making public comments regarding the case's merits. The judges noted that the trial was unlikely to conclude soon, with four chargesheets already filed since the FIR was registered in August 2022.
Kejriwal's legal troubles stem from allegations that he and other Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders conspired to create loopholes in the excise policy to facilitate kickbacks from liquor lobbies. This case has drawn significant attention, leading to the arrests of several AAP leaders, including former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and others.
Following the bail announcement, AAP leaders celebrated the decision, viewing it as a vindication of Kejriwal's integrity and a blow to perceived political machinations against him. The party's official social media accounts shared moments of jubilation, underscoring the emotional weight of the ruling for both Kejriwal and his supporters.
