Kejriwal moves SC, seeks 7-day interim bail extension
What's the story
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday filed a fresh petition in the Supreme Court, seeking an extension of his interim bail by seven days on health grounds.
In the petition, Kejriwal highlighted the need for medical tests, including a PET-CT scan, due to a 7kg weight loss and elevated ketone levels.
To recall, on May 10, the apex court granted the CM interim bail for a 21-day term till June 1 to campaign for the Lok Sabha elections.
Context
Why does this story matter?
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Kejriwal on March 21 in a money laundering probe linked to the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy and was lodged in Tihar Jail.
Notably, under interim bail guidelines, Kejriwal cannot visit his office or interact with any witnesses related to this case.
It had also prohibited him from signing official documents unless it was absolutely required to have the lieutenant governor's assent.
Medical examination
Kejriwal's health condition necessitates medical tests
Kejriwal's legal counsel has argued that the medical tests are crucial for his well-being and requested the court to consider an extension for completing necessary medical investigations.
Preliminary examinations have already been conducted on Kejriwal by Max Hospital's medical team.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) stated that "these may be symptoms of some serious disease" and that Kejriwal "needs to undergo PET-CT scan and many other tests."
Background
Excise policy case explained
In November 2021, the Delhi government introduced the excise policy for 2021-22.
However, less than a year later, it opted to abandon it following widespread corruption accusations.
Central investigation agencies asserted that wholesaler profit margins were artificially inflated to 12% from 5%, promoting cartelization and benefiting ineligible license holders.
The Kejriwal-led Delhi administration had refuted the allegations, arguing that the policy would have boosted revenue.
Information
AAP's alleged role in excise policy scam
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) alleges that liquor companies involved paid kickbacks amounting to ₹100 crore to the AAP, some of which were routed to public servants. According to the ED, the party used the illegally generated funds to campaign for the Goa and Punjab elections