India’s Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal after six months of imprisonment on corruption charges, with the decision emphasizing that his prolonged detention constituted an unjust denial of liberty.
Kejriwal, who has maintained his innocence throughout and is now free, claims that the charges against him are politically motivated, as UPI reports.
The ruling, delivered on Sept. 13, comes amid heightened political tension between Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the government of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kejriwal, accused of involvement in a $1 billion bribery scandal related to a liquor licensing scheme in Delhi, has been a vocal critic of Modi's administration. Two senior AAP leaders, Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, were also arrested in connection to the case.
Despite his incarceration, Kejriwal has continued to lead Delhi’s government from jail, refusing to step down from his role as chief minister. His decision to remain in office during the six-month detention has drawn widespread international attention, with critics questioning the fairness of the charges.
The United States has expressed concerns over the case, with the State Department closely monitoring Kejriwal’s arrest and its broader implications for political opposition in India. This marks another instance where actions against opposition figures have raised alarms internationally, particularly in the context of India's democratic reputation.
As part of the bail conditions, the Supreme Court ordered that Kejriwal would not be permitted to return to office, make any public statements, or sign official government documents while on bail. The ruling underscores the sensitivity of the case and the need to prevent further political fallout while the legal proceedings continue.
The corruption allegations stem from a large-scale liquor licensing scheme in Delhi. Kejriwal and his allies have consistently denied any wrongdoing, with the chief minister calling the case a clear example of political retribution. Kejriwal’s AAP has been gaining political traction, most notably with victories in regional elections in Delhi and Punjab, putting him at odds with Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Throughout the ordeal, Kejriwal has received significant support from his party and its voter base, who view the charges as an attempt to suppress a growing political force. His ability to maintain control of the Delhi government, even from prison, has bolstered his image as a determined leader unwilling to be silenced.
The court's decision to grant bail marks a critical juncture in the case, but Kejriwal’s future remains uncertain. His political career continues to face significant obstacles, as the accusations and ongoing investigation loom large over both his administration and his party's standing.
The Supreme Court’s ruling also comes with restrictions that limit Kejriwal’s political activities. While he is free from incarceration, the prohibition on office attendance and public statements effectively sidelines him from active political participation. However, the court’s acknowledgment that his incarceration had been unjust may provide some relief to Kejriwal and his supporters.
The broader political landscape in India is likely to feel the effects of this decision. As tensions between the AAP and the BJP continue to mount, the case against Kejriwal could become a focal point for discussions on political freedom and the treatment of opposition leaders in the country.
For now, Kejriwal remains a figure of defiance. His party’s regional success and growing influence have made him a target, yet his ability to navigate both legal and political challenges speaks to the resilience of his leadership.
As the case develops, attention will remain focused on how the judiciary, the Modi administration, and international observers respond. The intersection of law and politics in India’s democracy is under intense scrutiny, with Kejriwal’s case serving as a litmus test for the country’s commitment to upholding democratic principles.
