National Desk
28 May
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
The Supreme Court is set to decide on Arvind Kejriwal’s request for an extension of his 21-day interim bail in a money-laundering case, following significant health concerns. Justice Viswanathan, addressing advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, questioned why the request wasn’t made when Justice Datta headed the Vacation Bench last week. “Let the Hon’ble CJI take a decision as it raises the issue of propriety…we will send it to the CJI,” stated the Bench.
Kejriwal cited high ketone and blood glucose levels, sudden unexplained weight loss of 6-7 kg, and other potentially life-threatening conditions in his plea for a seven-day extension. He moved the Supreme Court on Monday, emphasizing the urgent need for medical attention.
Arrested on March 21 by the Enforcement Directorate, the AAP national convener was granted a 21-day interim bail by the top court on May 10 to campaign in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. The bail is set to expire on June 2, and Kejriwal is required to surrender on that date unless an extension is granted.
As the ‘Master of Roster,’ it is the Chief Justice of India who decides the composition of Benches to hear cases, and the final decision on this matter now rests with him.