By Shubhankar Shukla |February-03-2026
In a development that is set to shift the political gears in Chhattisgarh, the Supreme Court today granted interim bail to former Excise Minister and Bastar heavyweight Kawasi Lakhma. The decision ends his year-long stint in custody related to the high-profile liquor scam investigation that has dominated state headlines since early 2025.
Why the Court Intervened
The bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, didn’t dive deep into whether Lakhma is “guilty” or “innocent” today. Instead, they focused on a practical reality: the trial is going to be a marathon, not a sprint.
With over 1,100 witnesses lined up by the prosecution, the judges noted that keeping Lakhma in jail indefinitely—without a conviction—simply doesn’t align with constitutional rights. The court essentially said that while the investigation is important, the “right to liberty” cannot be ignored when a trial has no clear end date in sight.
The Tug-of-War: ₹72 Crore vs. “No Evidence”
The legal battle in the courtroom today was sharp. The ED and EOW maintained their stance, alleging that Lakhma was a key player in a syndicate that siphoned off crores, claiming he pocketed roughly ₹72 crore in kickbacks.
On the flip side, Lakhma’s legal team, led by Mukul Rohatgi, hammered home a single point: Where is the money? They argued that despite a year of investigation, authorities haven’t found a physical money trail or recovered assets that link back to the alleged bribe. They painted the case as one built on “paper and statements” rather than hard evidence.
The Fine Print: Out, But With Strings Attached
While Lakhma is heading home, it’s not exactly “business as usual.” The Supreme Court has put him on a short leash to ensure the investigation stays on track:
• The Chhattisgarh Border: Surprisingly, he’s been asked to stay out of Chhattisgarh for now, except for his court dates.
• No Public Commentary: He’s allowed to go about his life, but he’s barred from talking to the media or the public about the specific “merits” of his case.
• Passport & Privacy: His passport stays with the court, and he’s required to keep the ED updated on his exact location at all times.
What This Means for Chhattisgarh
For the Congress party and his followers in the Bastar belt, this is a massive morale booster. Even with the travel restrictions, having their most vocal leader out of a cell is a significant “win” in the court of public opinion.
As of now, the question of whether he can attend Assembly sessions is in the hands of the Speaker. But for today, the headline is simple: Kawasi Lakhma is coming home.
