India’s Supreme Court granted interim bail to a prominent opposition leader who had been arrested nearly seven weeks ago in a bribery case that opposition parties deemed a political maneuver by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government during a national election.
Arvind Kejriwal, the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party, is the elected official in New Delhi and has been one of the most influential politicians in India over the last decade.
The court’s decision allows Kejriwal to campaign in the national election until June 1, his attorney reported.
Opposition leaders celebrated the court’s ruling, emphasizing its significance during the ongoing elections.
Despite the bail, a leader from the ruling party mentioned that Kejriwal still faces charges in the bribery case and will have to return to jail after June 2.
The court acknowledged the importance of the national election in their decision, asserting that Kejriwal should adhere to specified conditions while on interim bail.
Kejriwal, who serves as the chief minister of New Delhi, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on allegations of accepting bribes from liquor contractors. His party is part of a coalition of opposition parties challenging Modi’s BJP in the election.
The opposition accused the government of misusing federal agencies to target political opponents, while supporters of Modi’s party maintain that law enforcement acts independently.
Kejriwal, a former civil servant, founded the Aam Aadmi Party in 2012 with the aim of combating corruption in the Indian political system.