Delhi’s vacation court has decided to extend Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal judicial custody until July 3 in connection with a money laundering case related to an alleged excise policy scam. The decision came from Vacation Judge Nyay Bindu, who is currently hearing arguments on Kejriwal’s bail plea. Special Judge Kaveri Baweja recently denied Kejriwal’s interim bail request citing medical grounds.
Kejriwal’s deteriorating diabetes and other health issues prompted his legal team, headed by senior advocate N. Hariharan, to request a temporary release. The court, however, rejected this plea, highlighting particular medical examinations that were already underway while Kejriwal took part virtually from Tihar Jail.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju, representing the Enforcement Directorate, argued against the bail, pointing out that interim release had been used improperly for political purposes. On June 2, Kejriwal turned himself in to the authorities at Tihar Jail, following the expiration on June 1 of the temporary bail period granted by the Supreme Court during the general elections.