(Image source from: x.com/AamAadmiParty)
Arvind Kejriwal's request for an extension of his interim bail on medical grounds has been denied by the Supreme Court, which refused to hold an urgent hearing on the matter. The Delhi Chief Minister was granted interim bail earlier in May to campaign for his party, the AAP, leading up to elections for Delhi's seven Lok Sabha seats. He was released until June 1 and instructed to return to Tihar Jail by June 2. Mr Kejriwal had hoped for an immediate hearing, but a vacation bench stated that his plea would only be forwarded to Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, who would decide when it would be heard. The bench of Justice JK Maheshwari and KV Vishwanathan noted that the verdict in the original case - Mr Kejriwal challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate - had been reserved after the last hearing on May 17, and that the CJI would make an appropriate decision on when to schedule a hearing. Mr Kejriwal had requested an urgent hearing for Wednesday.
The court asked why Mr Kejriwal did not mention that he was hearing cases during his plea for interim bail. He must return to jail by June 2 or face the consequences. Earlier, his lawyer argued for an immediate hearing, citing the need for medical tests. Mr Kejriwal plans to surrender on June 9, following the election results. His lawyer stressed the importance of a medical examination to protect him during his prison term. Mr Kejriwal will remain visible and available in public while out on bail, and there is no risk of him fleeing the legal process. The doctor from a private hospital in the national capital ordered several medical tests, including a PET-CT scan of his whole body, which will require five to seven days to complete. The AAP raised concerns that Mr Kejriwal, who suffers from diabetes, was being denied insulin while in jail. This sparked controversy over the availability of the "life-saving" medication.
The controversy surrounding Arvind Kejriwal's well-being has made its way to the courts once again. Kejriwal had previously criticized Tihar jail and ED officials for "petty" and "politicising" his health. In response, the probe agency claimed that Kejriwal had intentionally consumed sugary foods, such as mangoes and toffees, in violation of his diet chart, putting his health at risk to justify medical bail. During today's hearing, Kejriwal cited the prison authorities' "insensitive behaviour" and his "unexplained weight loss" as symptoms of a life-threatening disease. He argued that an additional week of bail would allow him to assess any potential health complications. Kejriwal also shared that he had lost seven kilograms in a month without any reason, which the doctors found alarming and prescribed several tests. The probe agency has accused the Delhi Chief Minister of involvement in drafting a now-defunct policy and seeking kickbacks for liquor licenses.
The AAP and its leader, Mr. Kejriwal, have been accused of using illegal funds to finance their election campaigns in Goa and Punjab. However, both have denied any wrongdoing and claim that the arrest and case are politically motivated, particularly as they occurred just weeks before the election. This incident has sparked a political conflict between the ruling BJP and the INDIA opposition bloc, which includes the Congress and the AAP.
