Arvind Kejriwal Seeks Extension of Interim Bail Citing Health Concerns

Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal filed a petition in the Supreme Court on Monday, May 27, requesting a seven-day extension of his interim bail, ANI reported. Initially, the Supreme Court had granted Kejriwal 21 days of interim bail on May 10 in connection with the money laundering case linked to the Delhi excise policy scam. With his interim bail set to expire on June 1, Kejriwal is required to surrender on June 2.

In his petition, Kejriwal cited the need for a PET-CT scan and other medical tests, asking for additional time to complete his health check-ups. AAP leader Atishi informed ANI about the Delhi CM's health issues, noting that he had lost 7 kg during his custody with the Enforcement Directorate (ED), causing concern among doctors.

"When he (Kejriwal) was in ED custody, he lost 7 kg of weight. This sudden weight loss is a matter of concern for doctors. Despite being out of custody and under medical supervision, he has not been able to regain that weight again," Atishi said.

Atishi added that preliminary tests indicated Kejriwal's ketone levels are extremely high. Such unexplained weight loss and high ketone levels could indicate serious medical conditions, including potential kidney damage or cancer. "Therefore, doctors have suggested that he needs to undergo a series of investigations, including a PET scan of his entire body and other serious tests," she added.

The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Dipankar Datta, set five conditions for Kejriwal's interim bail. One condition prohibits him from contacting any witnesses involved in the case. Additionally, before his release from jail, Kejriwal had to furnish a personal bond of ₹50,000 and is prohibited from visiting the Chief Minister's Office and the Delhi Secretariat. He is also required to obtain clearance approval from Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena for signing official files and is barred from commenting on his involvement in the Excise Policy case or interacting with any witnesses or accessing related official files.

The Supreme Court granted interim bail considering Kejriwal's role as the Chief Minister of Delhi and a leader of a national party. Addressing the issue of granting bail to an under-trial person for election campaigning, the Supreme Court noted, "No doubt, serious accusations have been made, but he has not been convicted. He does not have any criminal antecedents. He is not a threat to society."

Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21 in connection with the alleged scam in the Delhi Excise policy and was subsequently sent to judicial custody in Tihar Jail.