New Delhi: Supreme Court, on Tuesday, declined to entertain Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s plea for an extension of his interim bail, citing urgent health grounds.
The interim bail was initially granted to facilitate Kejriwal’s active participation in the Lok Sabha election campaign, which is slated to conclude with its final phase on June 1.
During the proceedings, the Supreme Court questioned Kejriwal’s lawyer, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, as to why the petition was not filed when Justice Dutta’s bench was in session last week. Kejriwal had filed a plea in the Supreme Court seeking a seven-day extension of his interim bail due to health issues. However, Singhvi’s request for an expedited hearing on the petition was turned down by the court.
Notably, Kejriwal has been in the custody of the Enforcement Directorate since March 21 in connection with the Delhi liquor policy scandal. His petition sought a seven-day extension of his interim bail on medical grounds. Failure to obtain an extension would necessitate Kejriwal’s return to Delhi’s Tihar Jail as per the existing schedule.
The investigative agency has accused Kejriwal of playing a significant role in the scandal, alleging direct involvement in soliciting kickbacks from liquor barons.
The Supreme Court’s decision underscored concerns that granting Kejriwal interim bail while incarcerated could impede his ability to fulfill his official duties, citing potential adverse consequences.
