Arvind Kejriwal to Return to Tihar Jail Today After 21 Days, Granted Interim Bail for Campaigning

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is set to return to Tihar Jail today. Granted three weeks of interim bail by Supreme Court for election campaigning, the term has now ended with the conclusion of Lok Sabha's final voting phase.
Delhi's Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. (File Photo)

Source: aajtak

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal must surrender to Tihar Jail today. Without relief from the court following the end of his bail term, Kejriwal will return to jail on Sunday. He has been outside for 21 days, campaigning for his party AAP. The Supreme Court approved his interim bail on May 10. However, later, citing medical grounds, Kejriwal sought an extension, but the trial court reserved its decision until June 5.

Kejriwal was granted bail on May 10 after 55 days and was released from Tihar Jail. He was first detained by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for 10 days from March 21, followed by judicial custody in Tihar since April 1, totalling 39 days. Now, Kejriwal will have to surrender to Tihar Jail once again.

Kejriwal to Visit Tihar at 3 PM

On Friday, Kejriwal stated that he would surrender to the jail officials around 3 PM on Sunday. He will leave from his Civil Lines residence at 2 PM, visit the Rajghat Hanuman Temple, and then go to the AAP headquarters. Here, he will address the party workers before surrendering at Tihar Jail.

Supreme Court Directed to Surrender by June 2

The Supreme Court granted the Delhi CM interim bail for 21 days to campaign in the Lok Sabha elections and instructed him to surrender by June 2. The court highlighted that Kejriwal has no criminal record and is not a threat to society. The interim bail was specifically for the electoral campaign, given that the last phase of voting took place on June 1.

Kejriwal Sought Bail on Medical Grounds

Previously, the Rouse Avenue Court reserved judgment on Kejriwal's plea for interim bail related to the liquor policy scam case until June 5, indicating that he would have to return to Tihar Jail on Sunday.

Special Judge Kaveri Baweja noted the application was for interim bail on medical grounds, not an extension of the bail granted by the Supreme Court. Kejriwal's lawyer urged the court to issue an order immediately due to his impending surrender, but the judge withheld acceptance, with the lawyer asserting Kejriwal's ill health and need for treatment.

However, the Enforcement Directorate opposed the plea, stating that Kejriwal had concealed the truth and gave false statements about his health; they assured he would be taken to AIIMS or another hospital if needed for medical tests.

What Did the Supreme Court Say on May 10...

The court observed that ED made a valid point about Kejriwal missing 9 notices before his arrest. While this was a negative aspect, the court also considered Kejriwal's role as CM and leader of a national political party. Although the charges against him are serious, he has not been found guilty. The investigation has been pending since August 2022, while Kejriwal was arrested on March 21, 2024, with his petition against the arrest pending in court.

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