Excise Policy Case: Kejriwal To Return To Tihar Jail As Delhi Court Reserves Order For June 5

Delhi High Court has reserved its decision on Arvind Kejriwal's interim bail application in a money laundering case connected to the alleged excise policy scam for June 5.

File photo of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

Source : PTI

The Delhi High Court reserved its decision for June 5 on an application by Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, who is seeking interim bail in a money laundering case connected to the alleged excise policy scam.

Special Judge Kaveri Baweja noted that the request was for interim bail on medical grounds, not an extension of the interim bail previously granted by the Supreme Court.

As per the report of PTI, Kejriwal's current interim relief, provided by the apex court, expires on June 1, requiring him to surrender by Sunday.

The Chief Minister's lawyer informed the high court that Arvind Kejriwal is unwell and requires medical treatment.

However, the Enforcement Directorate opposed his application, accusing the AAP leader of withholding information and making false statements about his health. The agency also stated that if any medical tests were necessary, Kejriwal would be taken to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) or another hospital.

Kejriwal's Previous Interim Bail Expires On June 1

Previously, the Supreme Court granted Kejriwal interim bail to campaign for the Lok Sabha elections, which expires on June 1. He is required to surrender to Tihar Jail authorities on June 2 (Sunday).

According to India Today, the AAP leader approached the Delhi court after the Supreme Court registry denied to urgently hear his request for a seven-day extension of his interim bail for medical tests. The court noted that since Kejriwal can seek regular bail from the trial court, his plea is not maintainable.

Kejriwal sought an extension of his interim bail to undergo several medical tests, including a PET-CT scan, due to "sudden and unexplained weight loss along with high ketone levels." He claimed these symptoms could indicate kidney issues, serious cardiac conditions, or even cancer.

In a press briefing on Friday, Kejriwal announced that he will surrender on June 2. He made an emotional appeal for people to care for his elderly and ailing parents in his absence. "I will leave my house around 3 pm (on Sunday) to surrender. They may torture me more this time, but I will not bow down," he said, India Today reported.

The AAP chief also reassured the people of Delhi that all services available to them would continue in his absence. And, underlined that he would start giving Rs 1000 every month to every mother and sister when he returns.