SC rejects Kejriwal’s bail extension plea, Delhi CM to head back to Tihar jail on June 2

DELHI, MAY 29: The Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s bail extension plea. The SC registry has refused to accept the Aam Aadmi Party leader’s plea saying that since he was given the liberty to move trial court for a regular bail, his plea for an extension is not maintainable.

The top court on May 10 had granted interim bail to Kejriwal till June 1 to campaign for Lok Sabha election and asked him to surrender back to Tihar jail on June 2, once the seven phases of polling end.

Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21 under money laundering allegations in their ongoing probe in the Delhi Excise Policy case.

SC’s vacation bench comprising Justices JK Maheshwari and KV Viswanathan on Tuesday refused an urgent hearing for Kejriwal’s bail extension plea. In his application requesting a one-week extension, Kejriwal mentioned that he needs to undergo diagnostic tests, including a PET-CT scan.

The application indicated that recent medical tests showed elevated blood glucose and ketone levels, which suggest possible kidney complications and damage.

As senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, mentioned the application for urgent hearing, the bench said, “This is heard and reserved matter. We cannot do anything. Place before CJI for appropriate orders.”

Filing a fresh application, Singhvi said Kejriwal sought “only 7 days extension. This is just a medical extension and not abuse of liberty.” (ET)