BY PRADEEP KUMAR SUBUDHI
Bhubaneswar, December 30: The year 2024 witnessed significant legal battles involving high-profile political leaders, including former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, BRS leader K. Kavitha, Tamil Nadu Minister V. Senthil Balaji. These leaders, arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on charges of corruption or money laundering, were granted bail after prolonged legal struggles.
Bail for Arvind Kejriwal
In September 2024, the Supreme Court granted bail to Arvind Kejriwal, former Chief Minister of Delhi, in connection with the alleged liquor policy scam. Although the Court rejected his plea challenging his arrest by the CBI, a two-judge bench led by Justice Surya Kant ordered Kejriwal's release, subject to several conditions. He was instructed not to publicly comment on the case, to attend all trial hearings unless exempted, and to fully cooperate with the trial's expedited proceedings.
Earlier, in July 2024, the Court had granted Kejriwal interim bail after he had been in custody for over 90 days, emphasizing the importance of his fundamental right to life and liberty. The Court also allowed him to apply for a 21-day interim bail in June 2024, in light of the upcoming general elections, but with conditions restricting his office access and limiting his official duties.
Bail for Manish Sisodia
In August 2024, the Supreme Court granted bail to Manish Sisodia, former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi and senior AAP leader. The Court noted that Sisodia had been in custody for nearly 17 months, and given the delayed trial, his constitutional right to a speedy trial was being violated. The Court pointed out that the prosecution’s case relied largely on documentary evidence, most of which had already been seized by authorities.
The bench, led by Justice BR Gavai, observed that indefinite detention without a timely trial would infringe upon Sisodia’s right to liberty. Additionally, the Court acknowledged that the trial, with its voluminous evidence and 493 witnesses, was unlikely to conclude soon. While denying bail in October 2023, the Court had allowed Sisodia to reapply if the trial showed signs of slow progress, which ultimately led to the grant of bail in 2024. The Court also relaxed certain bail conditions, including the frequency of his reporting to investigating officers.
Bail for Sanjay Singh
In April 2024, the Supreme Court granted bail to AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh in the alleged excise policy scam. The Court noted that the ED had no objections to granting bail, clarifying that the decision was not a comment on the merits of the case. Singh was allowed to continue his political activities while out on bail, though the Court stressed that this ruling should not set a precedent for future cases.
Bail for K. Kavitha
In August 2024, the Supreme Court granted bail to K. Kavitha, the daughter of Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao and a leader of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), in a corruption and money laundering case linked to the Delhi liquor policy scam. The Court released her on furnishing two bail bonds of Rs 10 lakh each, with the condition that she attend all trial proceedings and cooperate with the expeditious disposal of the case.
Kavitha, who had previously been denied bail by the Delhi High Court in July 2024, was instructed not to tamper with evidence or influence witnesses. She was also required to deposit her passport with the trial court. The High Court had earlier described Kavitha as a key conspirator in the liquor policy case.
Bail for Senthil Balaji
In September 2024, the Supreme Court granted bail to Tamil Nadu Minister V. Senthil Balaji, who had been in detention for over 15 months in connection with a money laundering case linked to a cash-for-jobs scam. The Court noted that his detention had already exceeded the maximum sentence for the alleged offences, and granted bail based on the right to a speedy trial.
Despite concerns over Balaji’s reappointment to the Tamil Nadu Cabinet following his release, the Court maintained its position, emphasizing that his prolonged detention and the delayed trial warranted his release. However, the Court dismissed his defense regarding a large deposit of Rs 1.34 crore in his bank account, which he claimed was agricultural income. The case, involving over 2,000 accused individuals, is unlikely to conclude soon due to its complexity.
Political and Legal Implications
The year 2024 saw several key political figures secure bail after facing legal challenges tied to corruption and money laundering allegations. These rulings reflect the Court's recognition of the constitutional right to a speedy trial and the fundamental right to liberty, particularly when trials are delayed for extended periods.
As these cases continue to unfold, their political ramifications are expected to influence the dynamics leading up to the 2024 general elections. The ongoing legal struggles of these leaders highlight the intersection of law, politics, and public perception in shaping the political landscape.
