The Supreme Court has granted interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a money laundering case, but has raised concerns over his position in light of the allegations against him. The court has asked Kejriwal to make his own decision on whether he should step down from office. The decision comes after a New Delhi court extended Kejriwal's judicial custody in a corruption case linked to the alleged excise policy scam. Meanwhile, the government has declared June 25 as 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas' to commemorate the 1975 Emergency, but the move has been met with criticism from the Congress. In other news, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has stated that the state will appeal against the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee's directive to release water to Tamil Nadu, while the Supreme Court has dismissed a petition seeking an inquiry into the Hathras stampede.
Background: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been embroiled in a legal battle related to two cases: money laundering and corruption. In the money laundering case, he was arrested on June 6 and remanded to judicial custody. On June 16, the Supreme Court granted him interim bail.
Interim Bail Granted: The Supreme Court raised concerns over Kejriwal's position as Chief Minister in light of the allegations against him. However, it noted that he has been in custody for a week and that the trial may take time. As such, the court granted him interim bail for four weeks.
Step-Down Decision: The Supreme Court has asked Kejriwal to decide on his own whether he should resign as Chief Minister. The court observed that this is a "moral and ethical" issue that he must consider.
Corruption Case: Separately, Kejriwal's judicial custody in the corruption case has been extended by a New Delhi court. The case is linked to the alleged excise policy scam.
Government's 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas' Declaration: The Indian government has declared June 25 as 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas' (Constitution Murder Day) to mark the 1975 Emergency. The Emergency was a period of authoritarian rule imposed by the government of Indira Gandhi, suspending fundamental rights and press freedoms. The move has drawn criticism from the Congress party, which was in power at the time.
Karnataka's Water Appeal: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that the state will appeal against the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee's directive to release water to Tamil Nadu. The decision comes amid ongoing water disputes between the two states.
Hathras Stampede Petition Dismissed: The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition seeking an inquiry into the 2021 Hathras stampede at a Hindu festival. The stampede resulted in 33 deaths.
1. Why was Arvind Kejriwal granted interim bail? Answer: He was granted bail due to being in custody for a week and the likelihood of a lengthy trial.
2. What are the allegations against Kejriwal? Answer: He is accused of money laundering and corruption.
3. What is the government's significance of 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas'? Answer: To commemorate the 1975 Emergency, seen as a violation of constitutional rights.
4. Why is Karnataka appealing against the water directive? Answer: To protect its water resources amid disputes with Tamil Nadu.
5. Why was the Hathras stampede inquiry petition dismissed? Answer: The court deemed no grounds for an inquiry, citing previous investigation and judicial review.
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