This policy, which has since been scrapped, was under scrutiny by both the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for purported irregularities and corruption.

Bail Granted:

The Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan granted bail to Kejriwal, emphasizing that bail is a rule and jail an exception, underscoring the principle of presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

Despite granting bail, the court upheld the validity of Kejriwal's arrest, asserting that it complied with procedural laws.

Conditions Imposed:

Kejriwal has been barred from attending his office or signing any official files.

He is required to fully cooperate with the trial court proceedings and adhere to the same conditions imposed in a related ED case.

Judicial Commentary:

Justice Ujjal Bhuyan remarked on the necessity of preventing pre-trial detention from becoming a form of punishment and criticized the continued detention under the same predicate offense.

The court rejected Kejriwal's plea challenging the legality of his arrest by the CBI but allowed his bail plea.

Case Background:

The Delhi excise policy case involves allegations that Kejriwal and other AAP leaders received kickbacks from liquor lobbies in exchange for creating loopholes in the policy, which were purportedly used to fund AAP's election campaigns.

Kejriwal was first arrested by the ED in March 2024 in connection with this case and later by the CBI in June 2024 while still in judicial custody.

Reactions:

The decision was welcomed by various AAP leaders. Former Delhi Minister Manish Sisodia and Minister Atishi both expressed their satisfaction with the verdict, viewing it as a triumph of truth and justice.