National Desk
27 May
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday requested the Supreme Court to extend his 21-day interim bail by seven days in a money-laundering case linked to the excise policy “scam.” Citing serious health concerns, including high ketone and blood glucose levels, and a sudden unexplained weight loss of 6-7 kg, Kejriwal’s petition highlighted the need for further medical tests.
Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21 and released on interim bail by the Supreme Court on May 10 to campaign for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. His current bail period is set to end on June 2. However, a detailed clinical examination by a senior physician from Max Hospital on May 25 recommended several diagnostic tests, including a PET-CT scan and a Holter Monitor Test, necessitating an extension of his bail.
A Bench of Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Dipankar Datta had previously restricted Kejriwal from visiting the Chief Minister’s Office and the Delhi Secretariat, and from signing official files unless necessary. He was also barred from commenting on his role in the case and interacting with witnesses.
The petition underscores Kejriwal’s health complications, attributed partly to his time in Tihar Jail from March 21 to May 10. It mentions potential risks like kidney damage, cardiac ailments, and cancer, stressing the importance of early detection.
The Supreme Court had on May 17 reserved its verdict on Kejriwal’s petition challenging his arrest. The Enforcement Directorate alleges that Kejriwal was the mastermind behind the excise scam, demanding Rs 100 crore for AAP’s use in the 2022 Goa Assembly polls. The Delhi High Court had upheld his arrest on April 9.
In contrast, senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh was granted bail on April 2. However, Kejriwal’s extension request, if granted, would allow him to surrender on June 9, pending the completion of his medical evaluations.