Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been granted bail by the Supreme Court in the alleged liquor scam case. Members of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), from ordinary workers to senior leaders, are expressing their joy over the court's decision. The party has called it a "victory of truth."
The case has been tumultuous both legally and politically since Kejriwal's arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) about six months ago. Here’s a look at what has transpired in the ‘Kejriwal Case’ from arrest to now.
1. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested and sent to jail on March 21 this year after ignoring nine notices from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) related to the alleged liquor scam case.
2. During this period, Kejriwal was interrogated, and several facts came to light. However, as the national parliamentary elections approached, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) realized the importance of their leader in the political landscape. They believed that Kejriwal's campaigning would benefit the party in the elections. With this in mind, they sought bail from the Supreme Court.
3. The Supreme Court granted Kejriwal bail from May 10 to June 1 for the parliamentary elections, stating that Kejriwal was not a criminal and had no criminal record, thus not posing a threat to society.
4. After the bail period ended on June 2, Kejriwal returned to Tihar Jail. On June 26, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) also tightened its grip, arresting him in the same case while he was still in ED custody.
5. On July 12, the Supreme Court granted bail to Kejriwal in the ED case, but no relief was given for the CBI case, keeping him behind bars.
6. On August 5, the Delhi High Court upheld the CBI’s decision to arrest Kejriwal and directed him to approach a lower court for bail. Kejriwal challenged this decision in the Supreme Court and sought bail.
7. The Supreme Court reserved its judgment on the petition challenging the CBI’s arrest on September 5.
8. On September 13, a bench of two judges led by Justice Surya Kant granted bail to Kejriwal in the Delhi excise policy case. Following this decision, AAP leaders appeared relieved and jubilant.
