In view of grave health grounds, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi Shri Arvind Kejriwal has requested to extend his interim bail by seven days, and adjourned his hearing till May 6,2021. He was initially granted interim bail upto June 1, to campaign for 2014 Lok Sabha election. However, during this time, he called it necessary that he undertake medical examinations just to mention a few reasons like excessive fat burning which has led into much reduced weights and also raised diabetes.
Kejriwal’s legal counsel argued that these medical tests are critical for his well-being, given the Chief Minister has lost 7 kg recently. Max Hospital’s medical team has already conducted preliminary examinations, highlighting the need for further medical investigations. Kejriwal’s petition requests the court to consider this extension to complete the required medical tests.
The Supreme Court has granted Kejriwal bail for a while thereby allowing him to participate in the campaign but he will have to go back to Tihar Jail by June 2 as per court’s decision. This bail has however generated contention since some BJP leaders claim it was a preferential treatment given to him. Nevertheless, those who came up with this verdict have refuted all claims on ground that there were no special considerations for Kejriwal.
The interim bail relates to an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in the Delhi excise policy for 2021-22. This policy aimed to modernize the capital’s liquor business by offering a better shopping experience with discounts and special offers. Despite this, an investigation was ordered by the Delhi Lieutenant Governor, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, into allegations of discrepancies which resulted in the scrapping of the policy. As per AAP, the last minute changes made by his predecessor, Anil Baijal, are responsible for a decrease in the revenue expectations of the policy.
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Already a prisoner under the law, former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia, was arrested by the CBI on February 26, 2021, in connection with the same case. On October 5, AAP’s Rajya Sabha member and party leader Sanjay Singh was also arrested by the ED and was granted bail in April this year.
There has been significant focus on the Delhi liquor policy case due to Kejriwal’s legal challenges and his health issues. Albeit for awaiting ruling by the Supreme Court on whether his term should be extended, the Chief Executive Officer’s request has stirred up controversies and accusations of selective treatment in the matter remain a dominant subject among political arguments.
The outcome of Kejriwal’s plea for an extension will be closely watched, as it not only affects his immediate future but also has broader implications for the AAP and its political standing amid the ongoing probe.
