- The Supreme Court has turned down his plea for a 7-day extension of interim bail.
- This decision implies that Kejriwal must surrender and return to Delhi’s Tihar Jail on June 2.
- Kejriwal had initially received interim bail from the Supreme Court on May 10, allowing him to campaign for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections until June 1.
- Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), had highlighted Kejriwal’s need for medical tests, including a PET-CT scan, as the basis for the extension request.
- Kejriwal’s return to Tihar Jail marks a continuation of his legal woes, which began with his arrest by the ED on March 21.
- As Kejriwal prepares to return to Tihar Jail, observers keenly watching how he navigates this legal challenge while balancing his responsibilities as the CM of Delhi.
In a significant setback for Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the Supreme Court has turned down his plea for a 7-day extension of interim bail. This decision implies that Kejriwal must surrender and return to Delhi’s Tihar Jail on June 2.
Kejriwal had initially received interim bail from the Supreme Court on May 10, allowing him to campaign for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections until June 1. However, on May 27, he sought an extension of his bail citing health reasons. Despite his request, the apex court rejected his plea, stating that since he was granted the opportunity to seek regular bail from the trial court, his request for an extension was deemed inadmissible.
The Delhi CM’s party, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), had highlighted Kejriwal’s need for medical tests, including a PET-CT scan, as the basis for the extension request. In his latest plea, Kejriwal proposed surrendering on June 9 instead of the originally scheduled date of June 2.
This legal battle comes amidst Kejriwal’s challenge to the validity of his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a case related to money laundering allegations stemming from the Delhi Excise Policy. The bench had reserved its verdict on this matter on May 17.
Kejriwal’s return to Tihar Jail marks a continuation of his legal woes, which began with his arrest by the ED on March 21. Despite his efforts to secure bail extensions, the Supreme Court’s decision underscores the adherence to legal procedures, emphasizing the importance of seeking regular bail through appropriate channels.
The rejection of Kejriwal’s plea has sparked debates among political circles and the public alike, with opinions divided on the implications for his political career and the functioning of the Delhi government. Some argue that Kejriwal’s stint in jail could tarnish his image and affect AAP’s prospects in future elections, while others believe it underscores the principle of equality before the law, regardless of one’s position or political affiliation.
As Kejriwal prepares to return to Tihar Jail, the spotlight remains firmly on him, with observers keenly watching how he navigates this legal challenge while balancing his responsibilities as the Chief Minister of Delhi and a prominent political figure on the national stage.
(With inputs from agencies)
