An Indian court has cleared opposition leader Arvind Kejriwal of corruption charges in a high-profile case that has dominated national politics for more than two years.
The former chief minister of Delhi was acquitted on Friday along with his former deputy Manish Sisodia and 21 others in connection with alleged irregularities in the allocation of liquor licences in the capital. Prosecutors had accused Kejriwal’s administration of accepting kickbacks under a now-scrapped excise policy.
Kejriwal, 57, was arrested in March 2024 and spent several months in custody before being released on bail. He had consistently rejected the allegations, describing the investigation as politically motivated. Leaving court after the verdict, he said the ruling demonstrated that the truth had prevailed and repeated his claim that the case was designed to weaken his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
The legal proceedings unfolded as Delhi headed into elections in early 2025. Kejriwal’s party was defeated, and Rekha Gupta of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took office as chief minister of the city, which is home to more than 30 million people.
The case had become one of the most closely watched corruption investigations in India, reflecting the broader contest between the BJP-led federal government and opposition parties. Several prominent political figures critical of the prime minister have faced criminal investigations or court cases in recent years, including sitting state chief ministers.
Kejriwal first gained national prominence as an anti-corruption activist before entering politics. A former civil servant, he rose to prominence during public protests against graft and later founded the AAP, positioning it as a reformist alternative to established parties.
In August 2025, India’s parliament passed legislation allowing for the disqualification of elected representatives who are detained for 30 days or more. Critics argued that the measure could be used to sideline political opponents, while supporters said it would strengthen accountability in public life.
Friday’s ruling marks a significant legal victory for Kejriwal and his party, though its broader political impact remains uncertain as India prepares for further electoral contests in the coming months.
