New Delhi: Supreme Court, in a recent ruling, granted interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, allowing him to campaign in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections until June 1. However, the court imposed specific terms and conditions that Kejriwal must adhere to while on bail.Bail conditions imposedThe court directed that Kejriwal refrain from visiting the Office of the Chief Minister and the Delhi Secretariat. Additionally, he is prohibited from signing official files unless it is deemed necessary for obtaining clearance from the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. Furthermore, Kejriwal is barred from making any comments regarding his involvement in the case and from interacting with witnesses or accessing official files related to the matter.Judicial reflectionsThe interim bail order, delivered by justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta, acknowledged the numerous summons issued to Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the liquor scam. Despite his failure to appear before the investigating agency, the court cited various factors favoring the grant of interim bail to him.Reasons for granting bailHighlighting Kejriwals role as the Chief Minister of Delhi and a national party leader, the court emphasized that he has not been convicted of any crimes and lacks a criminal record. Moreover, the court noted the pending investigation since August 2022 and the ongoing challenge to the legality of Kejriwals arrest. The court underscored the importance of a comprehensive and liberal perspective, especially amidst the backdrop of the crucial 18th Lok Sabha General Elections.Rejection of argumentsThe Supreme Court dismissed the Enforcement Directorates argument that granting interim bail to Kejriwal would set a precedent for similar petitions by politicians. It emphasized the significance of the general elections, rejecting assertions that such a decision would unfairly benefit politicians over ordinary citizens.Kejriwals plea for interim bail, aimed at facilitating his participation in election campaigning for the Delhi and Punjab polls, has been met with conditional approval from the Supreme Court. As the legal proceedings continue, Kejriwals compliance with the imposed conditions will determine the extent of his involvement in political activities during his bail period.
