The Supreme Court of India declined to hear an urgent request filed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for an extension of bail in the Delhi Excise Policy case. The plea has been transferred to Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, who will now decide on the listing of Kejriwal’s request for an extension of interim bail. The main case verdict has already been reserved.
Though Kejriwal remains innocent as the apex court had earlier temporarily kept him out of prison to campaign for Aam Aadmi Party during the Lok Sabha polls. In case nothing changes, he will be behind bars by second day of next month.
There were questions raised about when the plea was submitted by Kejriwal’s lawyer, name Abhishek Singhvi, was in attendance at the hearings, when Justice Dipankar Datta, who leads the Bench Judge-on-vacation of Supreme Court, pointed out that it ought to have been lodged sooner. Therefore, it was referred by the Bench to the Chief Justice’s Office where the ultimate conclusion shall be made concerning the request for extending the interim custody order of Mr.Kejriwal.
Kejriwal has cited health concerns as the reason for his urgent plea. He expressed that his weight had dropped significantly, losing 7 kilograms in a month without any clear reason. “If a person loses 7 kg in a month without any reason, then it is a very serious issue. The doctors have recommended several tests. I have requested 7 days to complete all my tests within a week. There may be a serious underlying illness. The doctors said that conducting all the tests would help determine if there is a serious health condition or not,” Kejriwal said during a press conference in Bathinda.
On May 10, after being imprisoned for 50 days, Delhi Mayor was freed from the Tihar Jail. His detention was linked to a broad investigation that involved accusations of graft in the excise policy of Delhi. The policy, which had been implemented to regulate liquor sales in the capital, was subsequently scrapped following the controversy.
Also Read: Arvind Kejriwal Requests Supreme Court To Extend Interim Bail By 7 Days
Given the significance and complexity of the issue, the decision to refer the matter to the CJI made was indeed a critical one for judiciary or court of law within India which should be accorded all due respect. The legal and political communities are looking very closely CJI Chandrachud decision, while Kejriwal’s immediate future depends on whatever happens next; indeed it could change the entire Lok Sabha election scenario too.
This case highlights the ongoing scrutiny faced by public officials and the judiciary’s role in ensuring that legal processes are adhered strictly. Kejriwal’s situation also brings to light the personal challenges faced by political leaders under investigation, especially when health issues are involved. As the nation awaits the Chief Justice’s decision, the focus remains on the balance between legal integrity and compassionate consideration for individual circumstances.
