Arvind Kejriwal seeks seven-day extension of interim bail from Supreme Court

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking a seven-day extension of his interim bail on medical grounds, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) said on Monday.

Kejriwal was released from Delhi’s Tihar Jail on May 10 after spending 50 days in custody on corruption charges related to the alleged liquor policy scam.

According to the party, the Delhi CM is seeking a bail extension due to multiple health issues. He has lost 7 kilograms since his arrest, and his elevated ketone levels could indicate a serious health condition. Doctors have advised Kejriwal to undergo a Positron Emission Tomography and Computed Tomography (PET-CT) scan, along with other medical tests.

The Supreme Court granted interim bail to the AAP leader until June 1, the last day of the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections, and directed him to surrender and return to jail on June 2.

Since his release, Kejriwal has been actively campaigning for the INDIA bloc in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. He was arrested by the Directorate of Enforcement on March 21, shortly after the general election schedule was announced.

The Supreme Court, while granting interim bail, imposed several conditions: Kejriwal is prohibited from interacting with any witnesses or accessing official files related to the case. He is also not allowed to comment on his role in the case. Additionally, the court stipulated that Kejriwal must not sign official files unless necessary for obtaining clearance or approval from the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are being conducted in seven phases, spanning six weeks from April 19 to June 1. The counting of votes and the announcement of results will take place on June 4.