This Is What Kejriwal’s Advocate Said On Supreme Court’s Interim Bail Decision

As the Supreme Court granted interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal after more than a month of his arrest, the AAP chief’s advocate today said the decision by the top court shows the strength of India’s democracy. .

Talking to his social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Kejriwal’s Advocate Abhishek Singhvi wrote, “Flooded with media requests re kejriwal order. Since 2000 when I became spokesperson, have not even once mixed cases I appeared in court and speak about outside politically while hearing ongoing. Hence regrets 2media. Will speak on perspectives when dust settles down. See 2/2.”

In a follow-up post, the AAP chief’s advocate who requested the top Court for an interim bail till the declaration of result on June 4, wrote, “It was strength of the country’s demo that India’s Most Wanted (per govt & BJP) is out in 6weeks with 21 electioneering days left despite heaviest legal artillery rolled out by Govt. We must fight &never lose faith. Vivek Jain’s assistance was invaluable & matchless. truth must triumph.”

The interim bail to Mr Kejriwal was granted till June 1 in the excise policy case, rejecting the advocate’s demand for bail till June 4.  “We are passing an order giving him interim release till June 1, 2024.” However, after granting bail, the apex court has asked the Chief Minister to surrender and go back to jail on June 2. 

The Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Enforcement Directorate (ED) argued against the bail on the ground of electioneering, saying that no precedents are available that a person is released for campaigning. However, the Court stated that granting bail for 21 days would not make much of a difference, noting that the case was registered in August 2022 and Kejriwal was arrested in March 2024 after about one and half years.

On Tuesday, the ED had opposed the suggestion for interim relief, arguing not to make separate classes for politicians just because they want to campaign for elections. But the Court had countered, noting election season. “He is the elected chief minister of Delhi. The elections are around the corner. These are extraordinary situations. It’s not normal… He is not otherwise a habitual (offender) or somebody who has been involved in any other case.”