The Supreme Court has granted interim bail to Kawasi Lakhma, a Congress MLA and former excise minister of Chhattisgarh, in connection with the alleged liquor scam cases. The decision, delivered on Tuesday, provides relief to Lakhma in two cases registered separately by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the state police's Economic Offences Wing (EoW)/Anti-Corruption Bureau.

The court's decision, presided over by Chief Justice Surya Kant along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul Pancholi, considered Lakhma's period of incarceration since his arrest on January 15, 2025, by the ED and on April 2, 2025, by the EOW, and the unlikelihood of an early trial conclusion. The prosecution intends to present a substantial number of witnesses—865 in the EoW case and 117 in the ED case. The court also acknowledged the ongoing investigation involving numerous other accused individuals, suggesting a potentially lengthy process.

Highlighting the importance of personal liberty, the bench stated that prolonged custody would raise concerns under Article 21 of the Constitution. The court sought to balance the prosecution's right to a fair investigation with the individual's right to seek freedom.

The interim bail comes with strict conditions. Lakhma is barred from entering Chhattisgarh, except for court appearances, and must arrive in the state at least one day before any hearing. He is also prohibited from traveling abroad and must surrender his passport to the special court. Further, Lakhma must provide his mobile number to the ED and cannot change it without informing the trial court. While permitted to attend public events, he is restricted from making any statements regarding the allegations against him.

Regarding Lakhma's request to attend Assembly proceedings, the court noted that since the chargesheet has been filed but not yet acknowledged, the decision rests with the Speaker of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly.

The alleged liquor scam, which purportedly occurred between 2019 and 2022 during the Congress government led by Bhupesh Baghel, reportedly caused significant financial losses to the state. The scandal involves allegations of corruption and high-profile individuals managing substantial sums of money. The ongoing investigations aim to deliver justice in the matter.