Kejriwal is a free bird, CBI still a caged parrot

CBI must dispel the notion of it being a caged parrot. The perception should be that of an uncaged one

- Gaurav Vivek Bhatnagar

The Supreme Court on Thursday granted bail to Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal in the CBI-registered Delhi liquor policy case, paving the way for his release from Tihar Jail where he has been lodged for nearly six months.

The apex court had earlier on July 12 granted Kejriwal bail in the money laundering case registered by the Eneforcement Directorate. However, the Delhi CM was re-arrested just as he was on the cusp of being released in the ED case.

Kejriwal was granted bail by a Bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan, which was hearing petitions filed by him. Significantly, he has been debarred from making comments about the Delhi excise policy case; he will have to be present for trial unless exempted by courts; he would not be able to enter the CM's office or the Delhi secretariat while out on bail; and he would not be able to sign official files unless absolutely necessary for obtaining the sanction of the Lieutenant Governor.