In Brief
Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister of Delhi, challenged his arrest by the Directorate of Enforcement in March 2024 in a money laundering investigation. The Supreme Court granted him interim bail until June 1, 2024, pending the final hearing of his appeal on the legality of his arrest. The Court held that interim bail can be granted in compelling circumstances, considering factors such as absence of criminal record, the pending status of constitutional questions about the arrest itself, and the ongoing 2024 national elections. While noting his failure to appear to nine summons, the Court emphasised that peculiarities of each case must be weighed, and politicians are not automatically denied bail. Strict conditions were imposed, including restrictions on visiting government offices and making public comments.
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