Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was released from Tihar Jail on Friday, marking the end of his six-month stint behind bars. His release follows a Supreme Court decision to grant him bail in a corruption case related to the alleged Delhi liquor scam. Kejriwal, who had been imprisoned since June 26, expressed gratitude to his supporters and emphasized that his resolve had only strengthened during his time in jail.
Supreme Court Conditions for Release
The Supreme Court’s bail order, delivered by Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Surya Kant, included specific conditions. While Arvind Kejriwal is now free, he is restricted from visiting his office or the Delhi Secretariat and is prohibited from signing any official documents without prior approval from Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena. The court also instructed him not to make public statements regarding the merits of his case.
Kejriwal’s Defiant Statement
In a speech to his supporters, Kejriwal praised God and his supporters for their unwavering faith. “They thought jail would break my spirit, but my morale is stronger than ever,” he declared. Kejriwal vowed to continue fighting against forces he believes are undermining the country’s progress.
Legal Perspectives on the Release
Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision. Singhvi, who is also a Rajya Sabha MP and Congress leader, argued that Kejriwal’s role as Delhi Chief Minister remains intact and emphasized that the conditions imposed were not new. He criticized the arrest as unnecessary and clarified that Kejriwal can perform his duties as Chief Minister, except for those related to the liquor policy case.
Future Implications and Legal Stance
Singhvi addressed concerns about the limitations imposed on Kejriwal, noting that similar restrictions had been in place for months due to the Enforcement Directorate’s case. He reassured that the Chief Minister retains his full authority to sign documents and make decisions, barring those directly connected to the liquor policy investigation. Moreover, the release of Arvind Kejriwal marks a significant moment in Delhi’s political landscape, as the Chief Minister prepares to resume his responsibilities while navigating the legal constraints set by the court.
"Need To Focus On Elections": AAP Leader Somnath Bharti (@attorneybharti) On Arvind Kejriwal's Bail pic.twitter.com/PbfnsH0L2H
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