Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has received a significant reprieve from the Supreme Court, which has granted him interim bail. This bail is effective until the larger bench hears his case. The Supreme Court has referred the matter to the Chief Justice of India (CJI) for the formation of a three-judge bench to examine the case further.
Despite the interim bail, Kejriwal will remain in custody due to an ongoing investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in a separate matter. The judgment was delivered by a bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta, who noted that Kejriwal had already been incarcerated for over 90 days. The interim bail pertains to a case involving the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and allegations surrounding the excise policy.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) welcomed the Supreme Court's decision, with members expressing their belief in justice by quoting "satyamev jayate" (Truth alone triumphs). Both the ED and CBI are investigating potential money laundering connected to the now-scrapped Delhi liquor policy.
Liquor Policy and Kejriwal's Political Journey
The controversial excise policy was introduced in November 2021. Under this policy, the Delhi government ceased retail liquor sales, permitting private licensees to operate liquor stores. Arvind Kejriwal, who has been an active figure in mainstream politics for approximately 12 years, has experienced the full spectrum of political challenges and triumphs.
Kejriwal established the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and led it to form governments in Delhi and Punjab. His political influence extended from the Gujarat Assembly elections to the Lok Sabha elections, yet his journey also saw him embroiled in a corruption scandal linked to the liquor policy.
From Anti-Corruption Crusader to Corruption Allegations
Arvind Kejriwal initially entered politics as an anti-corruption activist, advocating for the appointment of a Jan Lokpal (anti-corruption ombudsman). However, his political career has since become mired in allegations of corruption. Kejriwal, who once labeled his political adversaries as thieves and robbers, now finds himself defending against similar accusations. Despite his insistence on his and his colleagues' innocence, the situation has created a complex narrative around his political integrity.
Arrest and Continued Governance
Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21 in connection with the Delhi liquor scam. The Rouse Avenue Court remanded him to ED custody until March 28. Despite his arrest, Kejriwal did not step down from his position as Chief Minister of Delhi, continuing to govern from jail.
Impact of New Liquor Policy on Delhi Politics
The new liquor policy, announced by then Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on March 22, 2021, and implemented on November 17, 2021, aimed to eliminate the mafia's influence and increase state revenue. However, the policy soon became controversial. The uproar peaked when, on July 28, 2022, the Kejriwal government retracted the new policy and reinstated the old one.
Political Reactions and Future Implications
The Congress party, which had previously allied with AAP during the Lok Sabha elections, has now turned critical. The Congress party frequently attacks AAP on various issues, from rain-related problems to water crises in Delhi. The intensity of these attacks parallels those made by the Aam Aadmi Party against the BJP, signaling a contentious political landscape ahead.