Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Granted Interim Bail by Supreme Court, Sets Sight on Election Campaign

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who has been held in Tihar Jail in connection with a money laundering case linked to the excise policy scam, has been granted a 21-day interim bail by the Supreme Court. The bail was announced on May 10, allowing Kejriwal to campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Kejriwal’s release from Tihar Jail sparked celebrations among supporters and party members. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader is set to resume his political activities, starting with a visit to Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place, New Delhi on Saturday morning.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had arrested Kejriwal on March 21 in relation to a probe into the excise policy scam. His bail plea hearing at the Supreme Court saw arguments from both sides, with ED opposing the interim bail on the grounds that election campaigning is not a fundamental or constitutional right.

Upon his release, Kejriwal expressed gratitude towards his supporters and the judiciary. He highlighted the importance of saving the country from what he termed as ‘dictatorship.’ The Supreme Court order specified that Kejriwal must refrain from official duties as Chief Minister during the interim bail period.

Political figures like Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Congress leaders welcomed the decision to grant interim bail to Kejriwal. Critics, including the BJP, pointed out that bail was granted solely for electioneering purposes and that Kejriwal’s campaign activities would cease after June 1, when he is required to surrender back to judicial custody.

As Kejriwal prepares to hit the campaign trail, his return to political engagements is anticipated to inject fresh dynamics into the electoral landscape. The battle for New Delhi intensifies as parties gear up for the Lok Sabha elections scheduled for May 25, with results to be declared on June 4.