A court in Delhi on Saturday reserved its order on an application filed by Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal seeking interim bail in a money laundering case connected to the alleged excise policy scam. The court has scheduled the decision for June 5.
The case, which is being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), involves allegations of corruption and money laundering related to the Delhi government’s now-revoked excise policy for the fiscal year 2021-22.
Special Judge Kaveri Baweja chose to reserve the order after noting that the application sought interim bail on medical grounds and not an extension of the interim bail previously granted by the Supreme Court.
On May 10, the Supreme Court had granted Kejriwal a 21-day interim bail to assist in his campaign for the Lok Sabha elections. The court had directed him to surrender on June 2, a day after the last phase of the seven-phase election concluded.
Subsequently, Kejriwal actively campaigned in various states including Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Delhi, and Maharashtra after his release from Tihar jail.
After reserving the order, Kejriwal’s legal team urged the court to issue the decision on Saturday itself, citing the deadline for surrender on Sunday. However, the judge declined, pointing out that the arguments and documents presented by both the defense and the prosecution were extensive and required careful consideration.
During the proceedings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the ED, argued that Kejriwal’s claim during a press conference on Friday that he would voluntarily surrender on June 2 was misleading. At the conference, Kejriwal had stated, “I will leave my house around 3 pm (on Sunday) to surrender. It is possible that this time they will torture me more, but I will not bow down.”
Kejriwal further alleged that he had been mistreated while in jail, stating, “They tried to break me. They stopped my medicines while I was in jail. My weight reduced by six kg after being arrested. My weight was 70 kg when I was arrested. I have not gained weight after coming out of jail.” He also claimed that doctors had advised several tests as they suspect an underlying medical condition.
In court, the ED’s counsel argued that Kejriwal had actively campaigned throughout his interim bail period and only now claimed illness. “Kejriwal suppressed facts and made false statements, including about his health,” the counsel stated. Kejriwal’s lawyer countered by asserting that the Chief Minister was indeed unwell and required medical treatment.
The ED argued that the application for interim bail was not maintainable as the trial court could not modify the Supreme Court’s order mandating Kejriwal to surrender on June 2.
. “The Supreme Court’s order says he must surrender. That order has not been modified until now. He must surrender,” the ED’s counsel emphasized.
The counsel for the ED further stated, “He is not on interim bail because of this court’s order but because of the Supreme Court’s order. He is asking for an extension of the Supreme Court order, which is not permissible.”
The ED accused Kejriwal of attempting to deceive the court by delaying necessary medical tests. “If any tests are required, we’ll provide all facilities in jail. If necessary, we will take him to AIIMS or any hospital,” the ED’s counsel said.
The ED’s counsel argued that Kejriwal, who had been publicly claiming dire health issues, had not undergone any basic tests since May 25. “The entire system cannot be taken for a joy ride. It is a game being played by the litigant with the system. The prayers may not be granted,” the counsel stated.
Kejriwal’s lawyer argued that despite his health issues, the AAP leader continued to campaign as that was the purpose for which the Supreme Court had granted interim bail. “Stress due to the campaign increased his sugar level. Today, when I go back to jail without tests being done, I am subjecting myself to risks. This is only to ensure the fact that the treatment given to me is in conformity to the ailment I have. I am not asking for interim bail for two months or three months. What is the prejudice that will cause to them?” the counsel questioned.
As the legal battle continues, it remains to be seen how the court will rule on June 5, potentially influencing the political landscape significantly.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited and is published from PTI)
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