Supreme Court denies urgent hearing for Kejriwal’s plea, seeking 7-day bail extension.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has urgently petitioned the Supreme Court for the expedited listing of his plea. He is seeking a seven-day extension of his interim bail to facilitate medical examinations. Kejriwal’s request underscores the necessity of extending his bail for medical purposes, prompting him to seek immediate attention from the highest judicial authority. The urgency of his plea suggests the critical nature of the medical tests he needs, emphasizing the need for swift judicial intervention.
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court’s vacation bench declined to entertain an urgent hearing regarding Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s plea for a seven-day extension of his interim bail due to medical reasons. Kejriwal’s bail extension request stemmed from his ongoing legal entanglement in a money laundering case connected to the defunct Delhi excise policy, for which he is currently detained in Tihar Jail. The vacation bench, presided over by Justices JK Maheshwari and KV Viswanathan, heard the arguments put forth by senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, who represented Kejriwal.
Singhvi stressed the urgency of the matter, emphasizing Kejriwal’s pressing need for medical attention. However, the bench deemed it appropriate for the Chief Justice of India (CJI) to decide on the plea’s listing. This decision was made considering that the judgment in the principal case is pending.
Arvind Kejriwal’s predicament arises from his involvement in a legal case linked to the now-defunct Delhi excise policy, which has led to accusations of money laundering against him. His current detention in Tihar Jail has prompted him to seek an extension of his interim bail, allowing him additional time for medical tests and treatment. The urgency of his plea reflects the severity of his medical condition and the necessity of immediate judicial intervention.
Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, argued vehemently for an urgent hearing, underscoring the critical nature of his client’s health concerns. Singhvi emphasized that any delay in granting the bail extension could have adverse effects on Kejriwal’s well-being. However, the vacation bench remained steadfast in its decision to defer the matter to the CJI for consideration.
The bench’s rationale for deferring the decision to the CJI is rooted in the fact that the main case involving Kejriwal is still pending judgment. Given the interconnectedness of the plea for bail extension with the overarching legal proceedings, the bench deemed it appropriate for the highest judicial authority to decide on the matter.
The refusal to grant an urgent hearing underscores the procedural complexities involved in Kejriwal’s case and the need for a comprehensive review by the CJI. The bench’s acknowledgment of the pending judgment in the main case suggests that the resolution of the bail extension plea is intricately tied to the broader legal proceedings against Kejriwal.
With the deadline for surrendering to authorities looming on June 2, Kejriwal’s legal team faces mounting pressure to secure an extension of his interim bail. The decision to involve the CJI highlights the gravity of the situation and the need for a judicious consideration of all factors involved.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s vacation bench’s refusal to grant an urgent hearing of Arvind Kejriwal’s plea for a seven-day extension of his interim bail on medical grounds underscores the complexities of the legal proceedings and the necessity for a deliberative approach guided by the Chief Justice of India.
During the recent proceedings, the bench posed a pointed question to Abhishek Singhvi, inquiring why Arvind Kejriwal’s plea was not expedited for urgent listing the previous week. Notably, Justice Dipankar Datta, a member of the primary bench headed by Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who had previously granted the interim bail to the Chief Minister, was presiding over the vacation bench at that time.
The Supreme Court had previously granted Arvind Kejriwal interim bail for a duration of 21 days commencing from May 10. This respite was afforded to facilitate his participation in the campaigning activities for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. However, the conditions of his bail stipulated that he refrain from visiting his office or the Delhi secretariat and from signing official documents unless deemed absolutely necessary and with the prior approval of the lieutenant governor.
The crux of Kejriwal’s plea lies in his urgent need for an extension of the interim bail, which is set to conclude on June 1. The plea highlights the imperative necessity for Kejriwal to undergo a series of medical examinations, including a PET-CT scan. These tests are deemed crucial due to Kejriwal’s recent experiences of sudden and unexplained weight loss, coupled with elevated ketone levels, which could potentially signify serious renal, cardiac, or oncological conditions.
The genesis of the legal entanglement lies in allegations of corruption and money laundering associated with the development and execution of the Delhi government’s excise policy for the fiscal year 2021-22. Kejriwal’s involvement in this matter has resulted in his ongoing legal battles and subsequent detention in Tihar Jail.
The plea for bail extension not only underscores Kejriwal’s pressing medical needs but also reflects the broader implications of his legal predicament. The timing of the plea, amidst the backdrop of impending deadlines and ongoing legal proceedings, underscores the urgency of the situation.
Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, reiterated the critical nature of his client’s health concerns, emphasizing the potential ramifications of any delay in obtaining medical attention. However, the bench’s inquiry into the delayed listing of the plea suggests a nuanced examination of procedural intricacies and potential oversight in prior proceedings.
The bench’s scrutiny of the timeline and circumstances surrounding the plea reflects a commitment to ensuring fair and equitable treatment within the judicial process. By addressing concerns regarding the timing of the plea’s listing, the bench seeks to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability within the legal framework.
Kejriwal’s plea for bail extension encapsulates the delicate balance between legal exigencies and humanitarian considerations. As the Chief Minister faces the prospect of surrendering to authorities on June 2, the decision regarding the bail extension holds significant implications for both his health and his legal standing.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s inquiry into the delayed listing of Arvind Kejriwal’s plea for bail extension underscores the complexities inherent within the legal process. As the Chief Minister navigates the intersection of legal obligations and medical exigencies, the court’s deliberations serve as a testament to the inherent complexities and ethical considerations within the judicial system.