Arvind Kejriwal Requests Supreme Court to Extend Interim Bail by 7 Days
27.05.2024: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has approached the Supreme Court to extend his interim bail by seven days due to serious health concerns. Initially granted interim bail until June 1 to participate in the Lok Sabha election campaign, Mr. Kejriwal is scheduled to surrender and return to Tihar Jail on June 2.
Mr. Kejriwal’s request for an extension stems from significant health issues, including a weight loss of 7 kg and elevated ketone levels, necessitating medical tests such as a PET-CT scan. The medical team at Max Hospital has already conducted preliminary examinations, but Mr. Kejriwal’s legal counsel emphasized the need for further tests to ensure his well-being.
The interim bail has been a point of contention, with BJP leaders accusing the Supreme Court of giving Mr. Kejriwal “special treatment.” However, the justices involved have clarified that no exceptions were made.
This case is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in the Delhi liquor policy for 2021-22. The policy aimed to modernize the capital’s liquor business with discounts and offers but was canceled following an investigation ordered by Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. The AAP has blamed Mr. Saxena’s predecessor, Anil Baijal, for last-minute changes that allegedly impacted the policy’s revenue.
Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia is already under judicial custody related to this case. He was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on February 26 last year. Additionally, AAP leader and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on October 5 but granted bail in April this year.
As the controversy continues, Mr. Kejriwal’s health concerns add a new dimension to the ongoing legal and political drama surrounding the Delhi liquor policy.