New Delhi, India: On Friday, July 12, the Supreme Court granted interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the case registered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) related to the alleged Delhi Liquor Policy scam.
The judgment, delivered by Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta, imposed several strict conditions on Kejriwal during his period of interim release:
- Bail Bond: Kejriwal must furnish bail bonds amounting to Rs. 50,000/- with one surety of the same amount to the satisfaction of the Jail Superintendent.
- Restricted Access: He is prohibited from visiting the Office of the Chief Minister and the Delhi Secretariat.
- Limited Official Duties: He is bound by his representative’s statement that he will not sign official files unless necessary for obtaining clearance or approval from the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.
- Public Commentary: Kejriwal is barred from making any comments regarding his role in the present case.
- Witness Interaction: He is not allowed to interact with any witnesses or access any official files connected with the case.
The court clarified that the interim bail may be extended or recalled by a larger bench, to which specific legal questions arising from the case have been referred. The bench expressed uncertainty about its authority to direct Kejriwal, an elected Chief Minister, to step down from his post, leaving the decision to Kejriwal himself.
“We are conscious that Arvind Kejriwal is an elected leader and the Chief Minister of Delhi, a post holding importance and influence. We have also referred to the allegations. While we do not give any direction, since we are doubtful whether the court can direct an elected leader to step down or not function as the Chief Minister or as a Minister, we leave it to Arvind Kejriwal to take a call,” the judgment read.
This ruling comes amid ongoing investigations into the alleged irregularities in the now-scrapped Delhi Liquor Policy. The Supreme Court’s decision imposes significant restrictions on Kejriwal’s activities, reflecting the seriousness of the charges against him.
