The Supreme Court has declined an urgent hearing of Arvind Kejriwal’s application to extend his interim bail by a week on medical grounds. Mr. Kejriwal, the Delhi Chief Minister, was granted interim bail earlier to campaign for his party, AAP, in the run-up to the Delhi Lok Sabha elections. However, his hopes for an immediate hearing were dashed as the vacation bench stated that only Chief Justice DY Chandrachud would decide when the plea would be heard.
Arvind Kejriwal, arrested in connection with the alleged liquor policy scam in March, had been released on interim bail until June 1, with instructions to return to Tihar Jail by June 2. His request for an urgent hearing was made to facilitate medical tests and was backed by his lawyer, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi. Singhvi argued that additional time was necessary for medical examinations due to Kejriwal’s health complications, including diabetes, for which he requires insulin shots regularly.
The court, however, noted the timing of the plea, suggesting it could have been presented earlier. Justice Dipankar Datta, who had granted the interim bail, was available last week for such matters, the court observed. “Why did you not mention this…?” the court questioned.
Mr. Kejriwal’s health condition, particularly his weight loss, was emphasized during the hearing. His legal team highlighted concerns about his well-being in Tihar Jail, alleging that he had been deprived of necessary medical attention. The court was informed that medical tests, including a PET-CT scan, were ordered by a doctor from a private hospital in Delhi and would require five to seven days for completion.
The ongoing legal battle revolves around allegations that Mr. Kejriwal played a pivotal role in a policy related to liquor licenses, which the probe agency claims involved seeking bribes. The AAP and Kejriwal have vehemently denied these accusations, labeling them as politically motivated. The arrest and subsequent legal proceedings have sparked a political debate, with opposition parties alleging a vendetta by the ruling party.
Sources By Agencies
