The Supreme Court has declined to hear Arvind Kejriwal's plea for a seven-day extension of his interim bail in a corruption case related to the Delhi liquor policy. Last month, the Court granted Mr. Kejriwal interim bail to campaign for the Lok Sabha elections and instructed him to surrender on June 2, the day after the final phase of polling.
The Supreme Court registrar rejected the plea, stating that the Delhi Chief Minister has the option to approach the trial court for regular bail, rendering this petition "not maintainable."
Mr. Kejriwal had requested the extension on medical grounds and sought an urgent hearing today. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Mr. Kejriwal, emphasized in the petition that a medical examination is necessary due to health complications and increased risk signs. He asserted that this examination is crucial to safeguard Mr. Kejriwal from potential long-term harm during his prison term. Singhvi also highlighted that while out on bail, the AAP leader will remain visible and available to the public.
Singhvi further assured the Court that there is no risk of Mr. Kejriwal evading the legal process, and he has complied with the conditions set by the Supreme Court for interim bail.
On May 10, the top court had granted a 21-day interim bail to the chief minister, who had been arrested in connection with a money laundering case linked to the excise policy 'scam,' to enable him to campaign for the Lok Sabha polls.
