After being released from Tihar Jail on interim bail, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal emphasized the need to protect the country from authoritarianism. Speaking to a gathering of AAP supporters, he commenced his address with chants of ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’, ‘Inquilab Zindabad’, and ‘Vande Mataram’. “I assured you of my quick return, and here I am,” he stated, attributing his release to the blessings of Lord Hanuman. “Countless people prayed for me. I express gratitude to the Supreme Court judges for enabling my presence among you,” he added.

Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal leaving a Delhi court. (PTI/File)

Kejriwal urged the crowd to join the struggle to “preserve democracy,” emphasizing, “We must safeguard the nation from authoritarian rule. I am committed to this fight.”

He announced plans to visit the Hanuman Temple at Connaught Place on Saturday at 11 am, followed by a press conference at the AAP office at 1 pm.

Supreme Court Grants Interim Bail to Delhi CM Kejriwal in Money Laundering Case, AAP Celebrates Victory

The Supreme Court has provided Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal with interim bail in a money laundering case, enabling him to temporarily participate in election campaigning for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections phases. However, the court has imposed restrictions, preventing him from accessing his office or the Delhi secretariat and signing official documents without prior approval.

The court’s ruling has sparked widespread jubilation among the factions within the I.N.D.I.A. bloc, particularly with Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) celebrating it as a triumph for truth. Sanjay Singh, an AAP Rajya Sabha MP and co-accused in the case, expressed his joy, emphasizing, “Truth may face challenges, but it cannot be defeated. We welcome the decision of the Hon’ble Supreme Court.” Kejriwal’s wife, Sunita, who has been actively engaged during his absence from politics, also conveyed her appreciation to supporters.

Here are 10 key points regarding Arvind Kejriwal’s temporary release on bail:

1. The Supreme Court informed Arvind Kejriwal’s legal counsel that if granted interim bail for Lok Sabha election campaigning, he would be prohibited from serving as Delhi’s Chief Minister.
2.   Kejriwal’s lawyer assured the court that he would abstain from involvement in matters related to the Delhi excise policy.
3. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Enforcement Directorate (ED), opposed the proposal of granting Kejriwal interim bail, arguing against special treatment based on his political position.
4. The ED argued that granting interim bail to Kejriwal would establish an undesirable precedent.
5.  Previously, the Supreme Court questioned the ED about the lengthy two-year investigation period in the case.
6.  The ED alleged in court that Kejriwal stayed in a luxury hotel in Goa at the expense of an individual who allegedly received illegal funds for AAP’s election campaign in the state.
7. Kejriwal’s legal team objected to the ED’s affidavit opposing his interim bail, citing procedural irregularities.
8. Kejriwal approached the Supreme Court last month after his arrest by the ED, which was upheld by the Delhi High Court due to his lack of cooperation in the probe.
9. AAP leaders, including Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and Sanjay Singh, are accused of accepting bribes to influence a favorable liquor policy, which was subsequently revoked in 2022.
10. Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 by the ED in connection with the money laundering case related to the Delhi liquor policy and is currently in judicial custody at Tihar Jail.

Recognizing the importance of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, the court emphasized the need for a comprehensive and liberal perspective, taking into account the unique circumstances of Kejriwal’s case. The bench clarified that granting interim bail does not indicate a position on the merits of the case or the pending criminal appeal.

The verdict has received favorable reactions from numerous political leaders nationwide. Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal, voiced her satisfaction with Kejriwal’s interim bail, highlighting its potential aid in the ongoing electoral scenario. Sharad Pawar, head of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), commended the decision, reaffirming India’s dedication to democracy. Similarly, Aaditya Thackeray of the Shiv Sena praised the relief granted to Kejriwal as a notable action against perceived authoritarian tendencies.

Kejriwal’s appeal contesting his arrest, currently under consideration by the Supreme Court, is scheduled to resume next week. The court intends to deliver a verdict on the petition before the start of summer recess on May 20. The case revolves around accusations of corruption and money laundering linked to the development and implementation of the Delhi government’s former excise policy for 2021-22, which has since been revoked.