Kejriwal granted conditional bail: Here's what he cannot do
What's the story
The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the Central Bureau of Investigation case related to the alleged excise policy scam. The top court, however, imposed certain conditions that Kejriwal must adhere to during his time out on bail. To recall, Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court in June granted him bail in the money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate. Later, on June 12, the SC granted him interim bail in the ED case.
Bail terms
Supreme Court outlines conditions for Kejriwal's bail
The Supreme Court has said that Kejriwal must refrain from making public comments about the merits of the excise policy case while out on bail. "Regarding building a public narrative...Kejriwal shall not make any public comments about this case and be present for all hearings before the trial court unless exempted," Justice Surya Kant said. The conditions imposed on him when he was granted bail in the ED case linked to the same matter will also apply here.
Bail specifics
Previous bail conditions reiterated for current case
These include providing bail bonds worth ₹50,000 with a surety of the same amount, not visiting the Office of the Chief Minister and Delhi Secretariat, and refraining from signing official files unless necessary for obtaining clearance/approval from Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. He is also prohibited from commenting on his role in this case or interacting with any witnesses or accessing official files related to it.
Opposition leaders
Other leaders out on bail
After Friday's ruling, Kejriwal has become the fifth, and most prominent, opposition leader to be released after arrest in this case. Others freed include his former deputy Manish Sisodia, AAP MP Sanjay Singh, and Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader K Kavitha. The Supreme Court, while ordering the release of the three, said that authorities cannot detain accused individuals indefinitely without trial.
BJP's reaction
BJP demands Kejriwal's resignation
Separately, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) called for Kejriwal's immediate resignation as Delhi Chief Minister on moral grounds after the SC verdict on Friday. "The Supreme Court has shown the mirror to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and granted him conditional bail," BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said at a press conference.