Supreme Court Rebukes BJP, Grants Bail to Delhi CM Kejriwal Amid Controversy

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah lauds Supreme Court for granting bail to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, criticizing BJP for allegedly misusing constitutional institutions. Contrarily, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj accuses Kejriwal of being involved in a liquor scam despite the bail. The Supreme Court emphasizes prolonged incarceration as unjust deprivation of liberty.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday criticized the BJP, claiming that the Supreme Court's decision to grant bail to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal is a "rebuke" to the central government for allegedly "misusing" constitutional institutions. He stated that the decision reaffirms public trust in the judiciary.

"The Supreme Court order granting bail to @ArvindKejriwal confirms our faith in the judiciary. This decision gives hope to those fighting for truth and justice. It is a rebuke to the central @BJP4India government, which misuses constitutional institutions against political opponents," Siddaramaiah posted on X in the regional language. He urged the government to learn from this and abandon "politics of hatred."

Meanwhile, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj suggested that Kejriwal remains culpable in the liquor scam despite being granted bail. She accused him of being a "careless CM of a careless government," highlighting that the courts have restricted Kejriwal from entering his office or signing documents. "Even as the Court grants bail, they acknowledge Kejriwal's involvement in the scam," she said.

The Supreme Court granted bail to Kejriwal in a corruption case related to the alleged excise policy scam registered by the CBI. The Court argued that prolonged incarceration equates to unjust deprivation of liberty. Kejriwal was initially arrested by the ED in March 2024 for alleged money laundering connected to the now-cancelled Delhi excise policy 2021-22. He was subsequently arrested by the CBI in June 2024 while still in ED custody. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)