Arvind Kejriwal released on bail after five months in jail

Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi and a prominent opposition leader, was granted bail by India's Supreme Court after spending over five months in jail due to a corruption case linked to a now-repealed alcohol sales policy. This policy, introduced by his party, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), in November 2021, aimed to reduce black market sales and increase government revenue. Kejriwal and his party have consistently denied the corruption allegations, labeling them as politically motivated attacks by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Supreme Court's decision to grant bail was influenced by the fact that charges had already been framed against him, and the trial was expected to take a considerable amount of time. The court imposed conditions on his bail, including a prohibition on making public comments and attending his official duties. This ruling came after Kejriwal had previously been released on interim bail for three weeks in May to campaign for parliamentary elections, under similar restrictions. Kejriwal's arrest occurred just weeks before significant parliamentary elections, raising concerns about the political motivations behind the charges. His detention drew international attention, with comments from the US and Germany expressing concern over the treatment of opposition leaders in India. Critics argue that the BJP has been using investigative agencies to target political opponents, a claim the party denies. Kejriwal's political journey began with his anti-corruption activism in 2011, leading to the formation of AAP, which has focused on welfare initiatives in Delhi and Punjab. Despite limited success in national elections, AAP remains a significant player in Indian politics, now part of a coalition of opposition parties known as INDIA, led by the Congress party.