Arvind Kejriwal, the chief minister of Delhi and leader of the Aam Admi Party, will be released from custody today, June 21, after being granted bail on a ₹1 lakh bond by the Rouse Avenue Court in the city yesterday.
In connection with a money laundering case connected to a now-canceled excise policy—also referred to as the purported Delhi liquor excise policy scam—Special Judge Niyay Bindu granted the bail.
Before giving Kejriwal the relief, the court did place some restrictions on him, saying that he could not attempt to obstruct the probe or influence the witnesses. The judge sitting on the vacation bench also ordered Kejriwal to assist with the probe and show up in court if needed.
According to an ANI report quoting official sources, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) would file a motion with the Delhi High Court today to overturn the trial court’s decision in this case.
Reaction from AAP: “Truth Cannot be Defeated”
The AAP praised the court’s ruling, saying, “Truth can be troubled, but not defeated.” The Delhi Chief Minister was granted bail by the Honorable Court, which dismissed the BJP’s ED’s arguments in full.
AAP leader and minister from Delhi, Atishi, praised the court’s ruling on X, writing, “Satyamev Jayate.” Leading AAP politician Raghav Chadha praised the “victory of justice” as well.
Though disturbed, truth cannot be vanquished. This represents the triumph of truth and justice. Sincere gratitude to the honorable court for releasing Arvind Kejriwal ji on bond, Chadha stated.
Supporters of the AAP also rejoiced by setting off firecrackers outside of Kejriwal’s Delhi home.
Critics Say Bail Is “Long Overdue”
Opposition party leaders reacted to the news by referring to the court’s ruling as “long overdue”.
“Greetings. Bail is granted to Kejriwal. Much overdue. From the prosecution’s perspective, there’s no reason to keep him behind bars now that the elections are finished! The system for delivering justice has been unjust!” Kapil Sibal, a member of the Rajya Sabha, stated on the social media site X (previously known as Twitter).
“Another triumph of truth is the release of renowned Delhi Chief Minister Shri Arvind Kejriwal ji. The strength and cohesion of the ‘India Alliance’ will free the Indian people from the oppressive governance of the BJP. India will establish a coalition government very soon, according to Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav.
He went on to say that the claims made by the ED are false. “When Arvind Kejriwal is released from prison, democracy will be strengthened. Both the nation and the people of Delhi should rejoice over this. The claims made by ED thus far are untrue. This is a fictitious case that was made up to bring Kejriwal ji to justice.
