Arvind Kejriwal's Custodial Period Set to Conclude Today: Supreme Court Orders Surrender as Political Drama Unfolds
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) detained Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi's Chief Minister and a notable anti-corruption campaigner,on March 21, 2024 under Section 19(1) of PMLA(Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002). The arrest relates to an alleged corruption case regarding the granting of liquor licenses. Kejriwal is suspected of collecting $12 million in bribes from liquor contractors.
Kejriwal, a founding member of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has been a prominent political figure in Delhi, noted for his strong anti-corruption stance and efforts to reform public services. The ED's probe has been continuing for some months, and Kejriwal was called numerous times for interrogation before his detention.
The arrest has caused considerable political controversy. Leaders of several opposition parties, including the Congress and regional leaders like Rahul Gandhi and MK Stalin, have denounced the action, claiming that it is politically motivated and aimed at undermining the opposition ahead of the next general elections. Gandhi has extended his support to Kejriwal's family and offered legal aid.
The AAP has vigorously refuted the claims, with prominent officials such as Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj claiming that they are false. They have pledged to continue supporting Kejriwal and to oppose his detention in court. The party intends to organize rallies, and strong security has been deployed in major parts of Delhi in preparation for the demonstrations.
Kejriwal's detention marks the first occasion the ED has taken custody of a sitting Chief Minister. His legal team, led by Abhishek Manu Singhvi, claims that the detention is an abuse of power by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), designed to undermine the AAP's campaign and governance activities.
This development has heightened tensions in Indian politics, with huge ramifications for the political landscape as the country prepares for general elections. The issue is still evolving, with extensive comments from politicians, legal professionals, and the general public.
Arvind Kejriwal applied for the interim bail under Section 45 of PMLA. He was granted bail by the Supreme Court for the campaigning of the Lok Sabha elections and was ordered to surrender on June 2. He is sent under judicial custody till June 5 Kejriwal cannot be in office during interim bail period
The Court directed Kejriwal to surrender himself back to judicial custody on 2 June 2024. This will be two days prior to the results of the Lok Sabha Elections, due to be announced on 4 June. The Court imposed the following conditions on Kejriwal:
A bail bond amount of ₹50,000/- with a surety of the same amount.
Kejriwal cannot visit the office of the Delhi Chief Minister and the Delhi Secretariat
He cannot sign any official files unless it is necessary for obtaining the clearance or approval of the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi
He may not make any comments on the Delhi Liquor Policy case for which Kejriwal was arrested
Kejriwal is also barred from interacting with witnesses and accessing official files connected with the case
During a roadshow in Amritsar, Kejriwal said “I’m coming right from the jail and it’s in your hand so think before pressing the button that you are voting for my freedom or for me to go to jail”.Amit Shah criticized this statement by saying that there can be no bigger contempt of Court and recognised it as a very wrong comment on the functioning of the Supreme Court.
