May 27th 2024.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has recently requested an extension of his interim bail by seven days, citing the need for some medical tests including a PET-CT scan. He is scheduled to return to jail on June 2, after being granted a 21-day interim bail on May 10 to campaign for the Lok Sabha polls. However, with his bail ending on June 1, Kejriwal has filed a fresh plea on May 26 seeking an extension on health grounds.
According to the plea, the chief minister has lost seven kilograms and his ketone levels are alarmingly high, which could indicate a serious illness. In order to undergo further tests, including a PET-CT scan, Kejriwal has requested an extension of his interim bail. This scan will provide detailed pictures of his organs and tissues, allowing for a more accurate diagnosis.
The Supreme Court had previously granted Kejriwal interim bail to campaign in the remaining phases of the Lok Sabha elections, after spending 50 days in custody for a money laundering case related to the excise policy scam. However, he was barred from visiting his office or the Delhi secretariat and signing official files without the approval of the lieutenant governor. Additionally, he was required to furnish bail bonds of Rs 50,000 and provide a surety of the same amount to the satisfaction of the jail superintendent.
The bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta had also rejected the argument of the Enforcement Directorate counsel that granting interim bail for campaigning would set a precedent. The case revolves around allegations of corruption and money laundering in the formulation and execution of the Delhi government's now-scrapped excise policy for 2021-22. The Enforcement Directorate had first summoned Kejriwal on October 30 last year, and several summons were issued subsequently.
In March 21, the Delhi High Court had refused to grant him protection from arrest on his petition challenging the summonses. Shortly after, Kejriwal was arrested by the ED. As his interim bail comes to an end, he has requested for a short extension to undergo necessary medical tests. The Supreme Court will now decide upon his plea.
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