In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday, overturning his detention in connection with a corruption case linked to the alleged excise policy scam. The courts decision emphasizes the principle that prolonged detention can constitute an unjust deprivation of liberty.Supreme Court grants bail to Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal in a corruption case registered by CBI in the alleged excise policy scam.Supreme Court says prolonged incarceration amounts to unjust deprivation of liberty. pic.twitter.com/6LoZkISNO4— ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2024The Supreme Court delivered its verdict after reserving judgment on September 5. This followed extensive hearings with arguments from both Kejriwals legal team and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The key issue was whether Kejriwal had adequately pursued bail through the appropriate channels. The CBI, represented by Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, contested Kejriwals direct approach to the Delhi High Court and subsequently the Supreme Court, arguing that he should have first sought relief from the trial court.Delhi high courts previous stanceOn August 5, the Delhi High Court had upheld Kejriwals arrest, ruling it as legal. The court dismissed his plea challenging the arrest, noting that the CBI had proceeded with its investigation only after gathering sufficient evidence and obtaining necessary sanction in April 2024. The High Court also noted that the CBIs actions were devoid of malice and justified by the evidence that suggested Kejriwals potential influence over witnesses. The court highlighted that witnesses had only come forward after Kejriwals arrest, suggesting his substantial influence.Background of the caseArvind Kejriwal was initially arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21, 2024, over allegations of money laundering related to irregularities in the Delhi excise policy for 2021-22. Subsequently, on June 26, 2024, while still in ED custody, Kejriwal was arrested by the CBI, further complicating his legal situation.
