||Black and White Digital News ||

||September 15,2024 ||

Kathua: In a major relief to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the Hon’ble Supreme Court granted him bail in connection with the CBI’s FIR on the Delhi liquor policy case, stirring enthusiasm within the ranks of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Advocate Appu Singh, the AAP’s State Spokesperson for Jammu and Kashmir and the party’s Star Campaigner for the 2024 Assembly Elections, hailed the judgment as a victory for truth, emphasizing that the decision reinforces the belief that “truth alone prevails, not falsehood.”

Supreme Court’s Firm Stand on Personal Liberty:

The Supreme Court’s decision has been viewed as a landmark moment, with the bench emphasizing that keeping Mr. Kejriwal in custody would be a “travesty of justice,” especially since he was already granted bail in the more stringent Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) case. The Court’s ruling touched on fundamental rights, invoking Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees personal liberty. Justice Ujjal Bhuyan remarked that the timing of Kejriwal’s arrest by the CBI—following months of inaction—raised questions about the agency’s motives, suggesting that the arrest may have been orchestrated merely to counter the bail granted in the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) case.

Timing of the CBI Arrest Raises Eyebrows:

In her press release, Advocate Appu Singh strongly criticized the CBI’s arrest, stating that the agency had failed to take any action for nearly 22 months before arresting Kejriwal in June 2024, just after he was granted bail in the ED case. She pointed out that the timing of this move lends credence to the claim that the CBI’s arrest was strategically planned to frustrate the bail already secured in the money laundering case.

Political Implications: AAP’s Surge of Confidence:

The AAP, emboldened by the Court’s judgment, is preparing for a strong campaign in the upcoming Assembly Elections in Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir. Singh emphasized that the ruling has infused new hope among AAP workers, leaders, and supporters, as it confirms the party’s narrative of political vendetta by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Centre. According to her, the BJP’s “misuse of investigative agencies” could backfire, leading to significant electoral consequences in the 2024 elections.

Kejriwal’s Role as Star Campaigner:

With his bail secured, Kejriwal is now set to re-enter the political arena, and his presence is expected to energize AAP’s campaign across key states. Advocate Singh believes that Kejriwal’s involvement will provide a crucial boost to party morale, helping their candidates “leave no stone unturned” in their respective constituencies.

Future of the CBI and ED: Trust in Rule of Law?

While AAP celebrates the Supreme Court’s ruling, questions remain over the CBI and ED’s handling of the liquor policy case. The Court’s strong language criticizing the timing of the CBI arrest has amplified public skepticism about the independence of these agencies, often dubbed “caged parrots” by critics. Advocate Singh expressed confidence that Kejriwal’s bail is a step towards reaffirming the principles of justice and rule of law, but noted that the agencies now face a “mammoth task” of defending their actions in court.

The case and its aftermath have underscored the broader political landscape ahead of the 2024 elections, as parties like the AAP frame the use of investigative agencies as a crucial issue in their campaigns. How this will impact voter sentiment in the upcoming elections remains to be seen, but for now, the AAP is riding high on its leader’s legal victory.