Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal Denied Interim Bail in Excise Policy Case

The Supreme Court declined to grant interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case, stating that it might continue hearing his plea on May 9, 2024. While the court acknowledged that Kejriwal is the elected Chief Minister of Delhi and not a habitual criminal, it emphasized that it is considering interim relief only because of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta highlighted the extraordinary circumstances due to the elections, indicating that they were not treating politicians differently but assessing each case individually.

However, the court made it clear that granting interim bail would mean that Kejriwal couldn’t perform his official duties. The Enforcement Directorate opposed granting bail, arguing that it would send the wrong message, especially since Kejriwal had evaded summons multiple times. Despite this, the court reiterated that Kejriwal is not a hardened criminal, and the decision on interim bail would be based on the absence of any misuse or criminal history.