A Delhi court today rejected the plea filed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal seeking interim bail for 7 days in connection with the Delhi excise policy case.
Special Judge Kaveri Baweja of the Rouse Avenue Courts passed the order. The Court also said that it has passed certain directions for medical tests of Kejriwal. Following the order, Arvind Kejriwal’s lawyer Vivek Jain told the Court that there are concerns regarding the Chief Minister’s health.
The counsel contended that when Arvind Kejriwal surrendered on June 2, three different weighing scales were used in Tihar jail to measure his weight and they showed different readings. Nonetheless, the court said that if there are any concerns, Arvind Kejriwal can move an application and the same will be considered.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21 on allegations that he was part of a conspiracy to intentionally leave loopholes in the now-scrapped Delhi Excise Policy for 2021-22, to benefit certain liquor sellers.
The investigation agency has alleged that kickbacks received from liquor sellers were used to fund the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) electoral campaign in Goa and Kejriwal being the National Convenor of the party is both personally and vicariously liable for the offence of money laundering.
CM Kejriwal remained in jail till May 10, when the Supreme Court allowed his release on interim bail to campaign for the Lok Sabha elections. He returned to jail on June 2 after the interim bail period allowed by the top court came to an end.
The Chief Minister moved the present interim bail plea on medical grounds arguing that he needs to undergo some tests for his fluctuating sugar levels and high ketone in blood. It was also argued that Kejriwal has lost weight and his tests will take some days.
The investigation agency opposed the plea and said that he was lying to get interim bail. It was also contended that the trial court does not have the power to extend the interim bail granted by the Supreme Court.
Arvind Kejriwal’s regular plea will be heard by the trial court on June 7.