The Supreme Court granted interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the liquor policy case until June 1, 2024, allowing him to campaign in the Lok Sabha elections. Mr. Kejriwal, arrested in a money laundering case linked to the alleged excise policy scam, will have to surrender and return to jail on June 2. The timing of Mr. Kejriwal’s arrest on March 21, after the Model Code of Conduct came into force, was cited as one of the reasons for granting interim relief.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna, heading a two-judge Bench, indicated that the delay in Mr. Kejriwal’s arrest was a significant factor. The court also intended to conclude arguments on Mr. Kejriwal’s petition to quash his arrest in the case next week. The ED had argued against granting interim bail, stating that it would be anathema to the rule of law and create a precedent for politicians to avoid investigation under the garb of election campaigns.