Arvind Kejriwal released on interim bail: the case so far, what now

• Bail is the temporary release of a defendant in a criminal case before the court announces its judgment. It involves the provision of security to secure the release of the accused.

There are three common types of bail

• Although the term itself is not defined in the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC):
• Regular Bail: Typically granted to individuals who have been arrested or are in police custody.
• This type of bail can be sought under sections 437 and 439 of the CrPC.
• Interim Bail: Granted for a brief period, usually before a hearing for regular bail or anticipatory bail.
• Anticipatory Bail: Authorized under section 438 of the CrPC by either the session court or the High Court.
• It allows individuals to seek protection from arrest if they anticipate being apprehended for a non-bailable offense.

concerning the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22 and its associated controversy

• The bail granted to the accused, including the Delhi Chief Minister, is significant.
• This policy, implemented in November 2021, altered the sale of liquor in Delhi by transitioning to private operators exclusively.
• Subsequent investigations implicated government officials in receiving kickbacks from liquor business owners to influence elections in Punjab and Goa in early 2022.
• Despite nine summonses from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) related to the excise policy case, the Delhi Chief Minister was arrested on March 21, with the ED asserting his central role in the alleged scam.
• Following the rejection of his petition by the Delhi High Court challenging his arrest, he appealed to the Supreme Court.
• The Supreme Court Bench, on May 10, decided to grant him interim bail until June 1, coinciding with the closure of voting for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Prelims Takeaway:

• Enforcement Directorate