Introduction:

In a significant development, the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India granted interim bail to Arvind Kejriwal, the sitting Chief Minister of Delhi, in connection with a money laundering case registered against him by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The case pertains to the Delhi Liquor policy and has been a subject of legal scrutiny.

Court Proceedings and Decision:

The apex court, comprising the bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta, deliberated on the matter in Petition for Special Leave to Appeal (Crl.) No. 5154/2024. After hearing the arguments from both the petitioner and the respondent, the court rendered its decision.

Conditions of Interim Bail:

In the order dated 10th May 2024, the court granted leave and directed that Arvind Kejriwal be released on interim bail until 1st June 2024. However, certain conditions were laid out for his release.

1. Bail Bond and Surety: Firstly, he must furnish a bail bond of Rs. 50,000 with one surety of the same amount to the satisfaction of the Jail Superintendent.
2. Prohibitions on Visits: Additionally, Kejriwal is prohibited from visiting the Office of the Chief Minister and the Delhi Secretariat during the bail period.
3. Official Files: Moreover, he is bound by the statement not to sign official files unless necessary for obtaining clearance from the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.
4. Comments and Interactions: He is also refrained from making any comments regarding his role in the case and from interacting with witnesses or accessing official files related to the case.

Implications and Conclusion:

This order sheds light on the judiciary’s role in upholding the principles of justice and fairness. It ensures that while the legal proceedings continue, the rights and obligations of the accused are duly considered and balanced. The interim bail provides Kejriwal with temporary relief while the case undergoes further examination.

Link to the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s Order dated 10/05/2024:

http://webapi.sci.gov.in/supremecourt/2024/16350/16350_2024_2_50_53083_Order_10-May-2024.pdf