Excise Policy Scam: Supreme Court Grants Interim Bail to Arvind Kejriwal Until June 1 

The Supreme Court of India has provisionally released Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on bail until June 1, enabling him to participate in the ongoing 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign. Kejriwal, who had been detained since March 21 following allegations of involvement in a money laundering case tied to an excise policy scam, is currently held at Tihar Jail under judicial custody.

The apex court’s decision came after reserving judgment on Kejriwal’s bail plea on May 7. During the proceedings, the court explicitly instructed that Kejriwal should abstain from performing any governmental duties during his interim release. Additionally, a Delhi court had recently extended his judicial custody to May 20.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had arrested the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in March, citing his alleged connection to the excise scam. Following the Supreme Court’s interim order, Kejriwal is mandated to surrender on June 2, immediately after the temporary bail period concludes.

This development has sparked varied reactions, including remarks from a BJP leader who stated that Kejriwal would be required to return to jail post-June 1. This ongoing legal battle unfolds as the Lok Sabha elections gain momentum across the nation.