On Friday, the Supreme Court granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the excise policy case. The decision came from a two-judge bench, including Justice Surya Kant and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, after Kejriwal challenged his arrest by the CBI. The case centers around alleged kickbacks linked to the now-defunct 2021-22 Delhi excise policy. Here’s a look at the key events surrounding Kejriwal’s arrest and bail:
- March 21, 2024: Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for alleged money laundering in the excise policy case. He became the first sitting Chief Minister to be arrested while in office after skipping nine ED summonses, which he called “illegal.”
- May 10, 2024: Ahead of the general elections, the Supreme Court granted Kejriwal interim bail until June 1, citing his leadership role and lack of criminal background as reasons he posed no threat to society.
- June 2, 2024: Kejriwal surrendered at Tihar Jail following the end of his interim bail.
- June 26, 2024: Kejriwal was arrested by the CBI on corruption charges related to the excise policy. While the ED focused on money laundering, the CBI pursued charges of bribery and corruption.
- July 12, 2024: The Supreme Court granted Kejriwal interim bail in the ED case, raising questions about the legitimacy of his arrest in March.
- August 5, 2024: The Delhi High Court upheld Kejriwal’s arrest by the CBI and directed him to apply for regular bail in the trial court.
- August 12, 2024: Kejriwal challenged the High Court’s decision in the Supreme Court.
- September 5, 2024: The Supreme Court reserved its decision on Kejriwal’s bail plea and his challenge to the CBI’s arrest.
- September 13, 2024: The Supreme Court granted Kejriwal bail in the CBI case, requiring him to post a bail bond of Rs 10 lakh and refrain from making public statements about the case.
