After being released on temporary bail for a 21-day period to conduct an election campaign, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is set to return to Tihar Jail today, June 2, in connection with the excise policy case. The development comes in the backdrop of a high-stakes legal battle and growing scrutiny over Kejriwal’s alleged involvement in the case.
On Saturday, a Delhi court reserved its order until June 5 on an application initiated by Kejriwal, seeking interim bail in a money laundering case linked to the alleged excise policy scam. This case, which is being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), revolves around purported corruption and money laundering in the formulation and execution of Delhi’s now-retracted excise policy for the fiscal year 2021-22. Kejriwal is expected to head back to jail around 3 PM today.
Special Judge Kaveri Baweja reserved the order, highlighting that the application was for interim bail on medical grounds, rather than for an extension of the interim bail that was previously granted by the Supreme Court. The nation’s top court had, on May 10, allowed a 21-day interim bail for Kejriwal to facilitate his participation in the Lok Sabha election campaigns. The court had ordered him to surrender on June 2, a day after the final phase of the seven-phase general elections concluded.
During his brief release, Kejriwal spearheaded election campaigns across Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Delhi, and Maharashtra. Following the judge’s choice to reserve the order until June 5, Kejriwal’s counsel implored the court to deliver the verdict on Saturday itself, emphasizing that Kejriwal had to surrender by the following day. However, the judge turned down this plea, citing the exhaustive nature of arguments and documents submitted by the accused’s advocates and the prosecution.
During the court proceedings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the ED, pointed out that Kejriwal made misleading statements in a recent press conference, asserting that he would voluntarily surrender on June 2. In the press conference, Kejriwal declared, “I will leave my house around 3 PM to surrender. It is possible that this time they will torture me more, but I will not bow down.”
Kejriwal also alleged mistreatment during his prior detention, claiming that his weight had dropped significantly due to the cessation of his medication. “My weight was 70 kg when I was arrested. I have not gained weight since being released from jail.
. Doctors have advised several tests and they believe this could be a sign of an underlying medical condition,” he stated.
Solicitor General Mehta countered these claims, arguing that Kejriwal had campaigned extensively during his interim bail period and was now suddenly professing illness. “Kejriwal suppressed facts and made false statements, including about his health,” he affirmed. Mehta insisted that the interim bail was unsustainable, as the trial court does not possess the authority to override the Supreme Court’s directive mandating Kejriwal’s surrender on June 2.
The ED’s counsel further highlighted, “The Supreme Court order has not been amended; he has to surrender. He is not on interim bail because of this court’s order; he is on interim bail due to the Supreme Court’s order.” Mehta condemned Kejriwal’s recent conduct, asserting that someone who claims severe health issues should not be seen actively campaigning for extended periods.
The ED also accused Kejriwal of trying to deceive the court by delaying medical tests, stating, “If any tests are required, we’ll provide all facilities in jail. If necessary, we will take Kejriwal to AIIMS or any other hospital.”
Kejriwal’s counsel argued that despite his poor health, Kejriwal had to campaign as it was the primary reason for his temporary release. “Stress due to the campaign has increased his sugar level. By returning to jail without conducting the necessary tests, Kejriwal is risking his health. We are only seeking to ensure that the treatment he receives corresponds with his medical condition,” the counsel contended, adding that they were not asking for an extended interim bail.
Kejriwal is poised to surrender voluntarily to Tihar Jail today amidst growing legal pressures and concerns for his health. As the courts deliberate over his request for interim bail on medical grounds, the high-profile case continues to capture nationwide attention. With inputs from various legal authorities and ongoing judicial proceedings, the final decision regarding Kejriwal’s bail rests with the judiciary, with a significant verdict anticipated on June 5.
