The Delhi Rouse Avenue Court has completed the hearing on Kejriwal's petition, reserving its decision for Monday, April 22. During the hearing, Kejriwal's attorney contended that a response to the application was unnecessary. In contrast, the Enforcement Directorate suggested an AIIMS doctor should be allowed to review Kejriwal's health status. To this, Kejriwal's lawyer retorted that they did not need the ED's advice, asserting that the agency had no stake in the matter. Kejriwal’s meals are triple-checked before being served.
The lawyer for the Delhi CM questioned the court as to why extensive details of Kejriwal's diet were provided to the ED under whose authority. The prison authority was questioned about the power under which they allowed Kejriwal to receive food outside the prescribed diet. The jail authority responded that Kejriwal was on insulin when brought to jail, but had later stopped of his own accord.
The prison authority stated that there were no conditions preventing Kejriwal from receiving home-cooked meals, including fruits. They pointed out his non-adherence to the diet and suggested, based on AIIMS’ advice, avoiding mangoes, among other things. According to the jail manual, inmates cannot be given home-cooked meals unless there's special court permission. They proposed that any home-cooked meals should comply with AIIMS reports.
The Tihar Jail authority advised that Kejriwal should follow a diet chart and he does not need insulin; otherwise, his sugar levels could drop significantly. They highlighted the need for him to abstain from mangoes, sapotas, bananas, and more, as per the AIIMS report.
The court told Kejriwal´s lawyer that when permission was granted on April 1 for home-cooked meals, the provided diet chart should have been followed. The judge observed significant changes between the diet charts provided by Kejriwal's team and the jail. In response, Kejriwal's lawyer stated that minor changes, like including mangoes or potato fritters, should not be grounds to refuse his application for insulin. The jail authority sought more time to file a response to Kejriwal's petition. They informed the court that Kejriwal's health was being monitored, and he was not facing any difficulties; all his requested amenities were being provided.
