Supreme Court Grants Interim Bail to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, Sets Restrictions

In an unprecedented move, the Supreme Court has granted interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21 in connection with an alleged scam in the Delhi Excise policy. Kejriwal, who had been in judicial custody at Tihar Jail, will now be out on bail until June 1, with orders to surrender on June 2.

The apex court imposed several restrictions on Kejriwal as part of the bail conditions, including barring him from visiting his office or the Delhi Secretariat during the interim bail period. He is also prohibited from discharging any official duties as Chief Minister and is directed not to sign any official file unless necessary to obtain the Lieutenant Governor's sanction.

Additionally, the Supreme Court instructed Kejriwal not to make any comments regarding his role in the case or interact with witnesses, and he is not permitted access to any official files related to the case. It clarified that the grant of interim bail does not signify an opinion on the case's merits or the pending criminal appeal.

Kejriwal is required to furnish bail bonds worth ₹50,000 along with one surety of the same amount to the satisfaction of the jail superintendent. Despite the bail, he is obligated to surrender and return to jail on June 2.