What Did SC Say While Granting Bail To Delhi CM Kejriwal: ‘Caged Parrot...CBI Arrest Only To...’

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New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday delivered its verdict on a plea filed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, challenging his arrest in connection with a corruption case stemming from the now-scrapped Delhi Excise policy of 2021-22. A Bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan granted bail to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief, providing relief, however, he will be granted bail under specific terms and conditions.

What SC Said During Kejriwal's Bail Order

Justice Bhuyan while pronouncing the ruling, said that he fails to understand why CBI was in a hurry to arrest Delhi CM just after he was granted bail in the Enforcement Directorate (ED) case, when the agency had not acted for 22 months.

Justice Ujjal Bhuyan asserted that the arrest of Kejriwal By CBI was only to frustrate the bail granted in ED case. CBI arrest is unjustified and thus Kejriwal should be released forthwith, said Justice Bhuyan. "The CBI needs to prove it is not merely a 'caged parrot' but an independent and proactive agency," he said.

"CBI is a premier investigating agency of the country. It is in the public interest that the CBI must not only be above board but must also be seen to be so. Every effort must be made to remove any perception that the investigation was not carried out fairly and that the arrest was made in a high-handed and biased manner. In a functional democracy governed by the rule of law, perception matters... Not long ago, this court castigated the CBI, comparing it to a caged parrot. It is imperative that CBI dispel the notion of it being a caged parrot. Rather, the perception should be that of an uncaged parrot," the bench said.

In terms of shaping the public narrative around the case, Arvind Kejriwal has been directed not to make any public statements or comments related to the ongoing proceedings. Additionally, he is required to attend all hearings before the trial court unless he is officially granted an exemption.

Kejriwal had filed two separate petitions with the Supreme Court: one challenging the legality of his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and another seeking bail.

Arvind Kejriwal, the AAP Chief, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21, 2024, as part of a money laundering investigation linked to alleged irregularities in the scrapped Delhi Excise Policy of 2021-22. Later, on June 26, 2024, while still in ED custody, Kejriwal was taken into custody by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the same excise case.

‘Welcome Back Arvind Kejriwal’: AAP 

Aam Aadmi Party seemed in celebration mood, soon after the verdict was announced, AAP leader Manish Sisodia was seen celebrating alongside Delhi Minister Atishi following the Supreme Court's decision to grant bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. 

#WATCH | Delhi: Visuals from the residence of AAP leader Manish Sisodia as Delhi Minister Atishi and he rejoiced the moment Supreme Court granted bail to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in a corruption case registered by CBI in the alleged excise policy scam.

(Video: AAP) pic.twitter.com/hq3iBlh0v4 — ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2024

Delhi minister and AAP leader Gopal Rai congratulated the residents of the capital city, he told reporters, "Delhi CM is coming out now. There is joy among people. This has sent a message across Delhi and the entire country that dictatorship loses one day, however strong it might be." 

Sunita Kejriwal, wife of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, took to Twitter, saying, "Congratulations to AAP family! Kudos for staying strong..."

Meanwhile, AAP MP Raghav Chadha thanked the Supreme Court by saying, “He (Arvind Kejriwal) is not just a name, but a brand of honest politics. He had to go to jail for 6 months because of his increasing popularity. Welcome Back Arvind Kejriwal.” 

Chadha added that now that Kejriwal is out, he will lead the campaign for the AAP in the upcoming Haryana assembly polls. 

#WATCH | Delhi: On Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's bail, AAP MP Raghav Chadha says, "... I thank the Supreme Court... He (Arvind Kejriwal) is not just a name, but a brand of honest politics. He had to go to jail for 6 months because of his increasing popularity... AAP will get more… pic.twitter.com/KCsi2GIBAG — ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2024