In a significant relief for the embattled Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, a court granted him bail on Thursday in connection with a money laundering case linked to the alleged excise policy scam. Special Judge Niyay Bindu issued the bail order, rejecting the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) request to delay the implementation of the bail for 48 hours. The judge mandated Kejriwal's release on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh.
However, the court imposed specific conditions for the bail. These conditions include a directive that Kejriwal must not interfere with the ongoing investigation or attempt to influence the witnesses involved in the case. This decision marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the Delhi Chief Minister. Kejriwal's lawyers are likely to submit the bail bond before the court on Friday, after which he would be released from Tihar jail.
Reactions of AAP leaders
'Satyamev Jayate'
Meanwhile, there was a wave of happiness among Aam Aadmi Party leaders following Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's bail. Celebrating the news, Delhi government minister Atishi took to her X account and wrote "Satyamev Jayate".
'Kejriwal's release will strengthen democracy'
AAP's Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh stated that Arvind Kejriwal's release from jail at this juncture is a boost for democracy. He remarked, "This is good news for the people of Delhi...ED's statements till now were based on lies...this is a baseless fake case formed to trap Kejriwal."
'Truth wins'
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Maan wrote, "Have faith in the court..Bail for Kejriwal ji..Truth wins..(sic)."
'Satya pareshan ho sakta hai, parajit nahi'
AAP Rajya Sabha Member Raghav Chadha also expressed his happiness following the court's order. "Truth may be troubled but not defeated. This is the victory of justice, the victory of truth. Heartfelt thanks to the Honorable Court for granting bail to Arvind Kejriwal ji (sic)," he wrote on X.
'Milestone for the whole country'
Delhi Minister and AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj termed Kejriwal's bail a milestone for the whole country. He went on to say that this decision will become a big example in the country's law system. "In PMLA, most people get relief only from the Supreme Court...usually, lower courts never give relief...so it is evident that the central govt has no proof in this case," Bharadwaj added.
'Truth can be troubled but not defeated'
AAP leader Durgesh Pathak also expressed his happiness over the court's order. "This is a very happy occasion. I congratulate all the people. I can say only one thing truth can be troubled but not defeated. I thank the court."
'Historic verdict'
AAP National Spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar claimed the case is completely fake. She further alleged that the whole case has been written in the BJP office. "We are very grateful to the court for giving a historic verdict. Regular bail in a PMLA case is nothing less than an acquittal," Kakkar added.
Kejriwal was granted interim bail for Lok Sabha polls
It is pertinent to mention here that the Delhi Chief Minister had been granted interim bail by the Supreme Court on May 10 in view of Lok Sabha polls and was told to surrender on June 2. He was asked not visit the Office of the Chief Minister and the Delhi Secretariat. The Delhi High Court had earlier dismissed his plea for release from jail and rejected his argument of political vendetta amid the Lok Sabha elections.
