New Delhi, 20-06-2024 : Arvind Kejriwal received significant relief on Thursday when a Delhi court granted him regular bail in the liquor policy case. This decision allows the Delhi Chief Minister to be released from jail on Friday and resume his official duties.
The bail was granted by Vacation Judge Nyay Bindu of the Rouse Avenue court, with Kejriwal required to furnish a bail bond of Rs one lakh. Kejriwal had been arrested on March 21 and had previously been out on interim bail for about a week in May to participate in an election campaign.
This development is welcome news for many in Delhi, who have experienced disruptions in governance during the summer, exacerbated by the absence of the Chief Minister.
Kejriwal’s arrest was related to allegations of involvement in a money laundering case tied to a suspected liquor policy scam, purportedly involving over Rs 100 crore. Despite opposition from the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which requested additional time to explore legal remedies against the bail, the court proceeded with the bail order around 8 pm after reserving it following a full day’s hearing.
Kejriwal was initially arrested by the ED on March 21 and had secured interim bail from the Supreme Court on May 10, which lasted until June 1 due to the general elections. He surrendered before the court on June 2 after the interim bail period concluded.