Delhi court denies interim bail to CM Arvind Kejriwal in excise policy case

A Delhi court on Wednesday rejected Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s plea for interim bail for seven days in connection with the Delhi excise policy case.

Special Judge Kaveri Baweja of the Rouse Avenue Courts issued the order.

The court  directed that Kejriwal undergo certain medical tests.

The court also extended Kejriwal’s judicial custody till June 19.

After the ruling, Kejriwal’s lawyer, Vivek Jain, expressed concerns about the CM’s health, noting that three different weighing scales in Tihar jail showed varying readings of his weight when he surrendered on June 2.

The court responded that Kejriwal could submit an application if there are any health concerns, which would be considered.

Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21, accused of conspiring to leave loopholes in the now-scrapped Delhi Excise Policy for 2021-22 to benefit certain liquor sellers.

The ED alleged that kickbacks from liquor sellers funded the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) electoral campaign in Goa, holding Kejriwal, the party’s National Convenor, liable for money laundering.

Other AAP leaders arrested in the same case include former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Member of Parliament Sanjay Singh, who is currently out on bail.

Kejriwal was in jail until May 10, when the Supreme Court granted him interim bail to campaign for the Lok Sabha elections. He returned to jail on June 2 after the interim bail period ended.

His regular plea will be heard by the trial court on June 7. Kejriwal filed the present interim bail plea on medical grounds, citing the need for tests due to fluctuating sugar levels and high blood ketone levels. It was argued that he has lost weight and requires several days for his medical tests.

The ED opposed the plea, arguing that Kejriwal was lying to secure interim bail and contending that the trial court lacks the authority to extend the interim bail granted by the Supreme Court.

Kejriwal’s regular plea is scheduled for a hearing on June 7. (With inputs from PTI)