In a major victory for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Supreme Court has granted interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the ongoing money laundering case. The AAP leaders have celebrated the decision as a blow to the BJP's allegations of a liquor scam, with party member Sandeep Pathak stating that there has been no evidence of any wrongdoing on their part. However, the BJP has stated that bail does not absolve Kejriwal of his alleged crimes and that the apex court has raised doubts about his suitability to hold the Chief Minister's position.
Arvind Kejriwal Granted Bail in Money Laundering Case
Background:
In August 2022, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered a case of money laundering against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and others related to the alleged Delhi liquor scam. The agency alleged that Kejriwal used shell companies to transfer ill-gotten money during his tenure as Chief Minister.
Supreme Court Bail:
On September 6, 2023, the Supreme Court granted interim bail to Arvind Kejriwal. The court observed that the allegations against Kejriwal were "prima facie" true but that he should not remain in custody while the investigation was ongoing.
AAP's Response:
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) welcomed the Supreme Court's decision as a vindication of their innocence. Party spokesperson Sandeep Pathak said that there had been no evidence of any wrongdoing on their part.
BJP's Reaction:
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized the Supreme Court's decision, arguing that bail did not absolve Kejriwal of his alleged crimes. The party also questioned Kejriwal's suitability to hold the Chief Minister's position with such serious allegations against him.
Top 5 FAQs:
Q1. What is the Delhi liquor scam? A1. It is an alleged corruption scandal involving the issuance of liquor licenses in Delhi.
Q2. Who is Arvind Kejriwal? A2. He is the Chief Minister of Delhi and the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party.
Q3. What are the allegations against Kejriwal? A3. The CBI alleges that Kejriwal used shell companies to launder money while serving as Chief Minister.
Q4. Has Kejriwal been convicted of any crime? A4. No, he has not been convicted. The CBI investigation is ongoing.
Q5. What is the significance of the Supreme Court's bail order? A5. It means that Kejriwal can remain out of custody while the CBI investigation continues. However, the court raised concerns about his suitability to hold the Chief Minister's position.
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