India’s top court has granted interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, slightly over a month after he was arrest in a corruption case. The court announced the decision on Friday, with the substantive determination offering Kejriwal relief until 1 June, after which he must report back to authorities.
Legal Battle and Political Fallout
A former anti-corruption crusader, Mr. Kejriwal was arrest in March in connection with a now-scrapped alcohol sales policy. At the time, he denied knew the details of the policy, further adding that he believed his arrest was “illegal”. Last month, Kejriwal’s bail plea was rejected by the Delhi High Court, after which he petitioned the Supreme Court. The Indian Prime Minister “Narendra Modi” political opponent’s bail was oppose by the country’s financial crimes agency, the Enforcement Directorate.
Terms of Interim Bail
The bench comprising of Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Dipankar Datta pronounce the judgment that Kejriwal would have to report to authorities on 2 June, a few days before the announcement date of the general election results. He was granted relief to carry out his campaigns for the Indian election but not his political and executive duties.
Allegations and Denials
The Enforcement Directorate acclaims Kejriwal of bribing liquor barons in exchange for a kickback, an accusation vehemently reject by Aam Adm Party leader and his party. Critics state that the prime minister’s administration had political grudge against opposition leaders, claims the government denounce and affirm that the investigative agencies were simply conducting their duties.
Health Concerns and Prison Conditions
During his incarceration, concerns regarding Kejriwal’s health emerged, mostly because he has diabetes. His party joins the time to pass the blames to the prison authorities, arguing that they were not giving him medical attention, with his glucose level shooting multiple times. The ED, however, provided an alternative fact, alleging that the chief minister was deliberately eating many mangoes and sweets to raise his sugar level and become eligible for bail. Eventually, the court ordered for his medical treatment.
International Response
The arrest of Kejriwal elicited international reactions, including from Germany and the United State of America. The US State of Department express concern regarding the adverse action taken against oppositional mechanisms in the country and requested for fair and transparent legal processes. Similarly, the German foreign ministry hope Kejriwal would receive a fair trial. In response, the India government summon the high-ranking diplomats of both countries to register their protest.
Conclusion
Kejriwal’s interim bail provides a temporary break on the political rival whose case manifest the relationship between rival political actors, security agencies, and the court. His release to participate in the campaign meeting shows an interface between legal battle and democracy.
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