Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has appealed to the Supreme Court for a seven-day extension of his interim bail in connection with the Delhi liquor policy case. Kejriwal cited serious health concerns, noting a recent weight loss of 7 kg and elevated ketone levels, which necessitate medical tests, including a PET-CT scan.
Initially granted interim bail until June 1 by the Supreme Court to facilitate his participation in the Lok Sabha election campaign, Kejriwal is required to surrender and return to Tihar Jail on June 2. Preliminary examinations have already been conducted by Max Hospital’s medical team. Kejriwal’s legal counsel argued that the extension is crucial for completing these necessary medical investigations.
The interim bail granted to Kejriwal has sparked controversy, with BJP leaders alleging that he received “special treatment” from the Supreme Court. However, the justices involved have firmly stated that no exceptions were made in his favour.
The ongoing probe focuses on alleged irregularities in the formulation and implementation of the Delhi excise policy for 2021-22. This policy, introduced to modernise the capital’s liquor business with discounts and offers, was cancelled following an investigation ordered by Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena into alleged irregularities. The AAP has accused Saxena’s predecessor, Anil Baijal, of making last-minute changes that negatively impacted the policy’s revenue expectations.
AAP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia is already under judicial custody in connection with the case. Sisodia was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on February 26 last year, while party leader Sanjay Singh, a Rajya Sabha member, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on October 5 and was granted bail in April this year.
