The Supreme Court has granted interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal until June 1, offering a temporary reprieve in a major relief. This decision came after a bench comprising Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta heard arguments from both sides. The bail, issued amidst ongoing Lok Sabha elections, allows Kejriwal to be out of jail during Delhi's voting on May 25, but he must surrender on June 2, coinciding with the day of the election results.
Kejriwal's arrest on March 21 in connection with a money laundering case had kept him in Tihar jail for over a month. However, the interim bail decision permits him to participate in election campaigning without restriction. Although the Enforcement Directorate opposed the bail, citing concerns about allowing campaigning as a constitutional right, the Supreme Court reasoned that the 21-day interim bail period would not significantly impact the case.
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During proceedings, the Supreme Court hinted at granting interim bail to facilitate Kejriwal's election campaigning, with the condition that he refrains from discharging his official duties as chief minister. Initially, Kejriwal's counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi opposed the bail but later acquiesced. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Enforcement Directorate, argued against the bail, questioning the preferential treatment of politicians. He emphasized that the significance of elections should not lead to exceptions in legal proceedings.
The Supreme Court underscored the importance of elections, which occur once every five years, as a cornerstone of democracy. The decision to grant interim bail acknowledges the crucial role politicians play during this period while ensuring that legal proceedings remain fair and impartial. Despite the concerns raised by the Enforcement Directorate, the court prioritized the democratic process, allowing Kejriwal temporary freedom to participate in election activities.
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The detailed bail conditions, specifying the terms of Kejriwal's release, will be made available later. While the interim bail offers respite for the chief minister, it also underscores the delicate balance between legal proceedings and democratic responsibilities during election seasons.
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