'You Have No Role Here': Delhi Court Rejects ED's Objection to Kejriwal's Jail Relief Plea

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal remains in judicial custody over the alleged excise policy scam. On Friday, a Delhi court informed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) that it cannot object to Kejriwal's medical checkup requests in Tihar jail. The court directed the jail superintendent to address Kejriwal's application for video conferencing with his wife during checkups.

Kejriwal had additionally asked to provide his health inputs to the medical board formed by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). The board was constituted in April to determine if Kejriwal needs insulin for his fluctuating sugar levels.

ED Special Counsel Zoheb Hossain suggested the court seek a report from jail authorities regarding the video conferencing request. Judge Mukesh Kumar clarified that the ED has no role in this matter. Kejriwal's regular bail plea will be heard on June 19. Previously, the court denied interim bail, citing his active election campaigning.

Kejriwal's interim bail plea highlighted fluctuating sugar and increased ketone levels. His lawyer, N. Hariharan, noted that high ketone levels might indicate diabetic ketoacidosis, a potentially fatal. Tests such as PET scans, LFT, KFT, CBC, and the 'Holter test’ are required and could take a week.

The ED arrested Kejriwal on March 21 for money laundering linked to the alleged excise policy scam. The agency alleged Kejriwal's direct involvement in the scrapped policy, favouring the 'South Group’ from southern India. This group allegedly gained undue favours and stakes in wholesale businesses and retail zones, paying Rs 100 crore to AAP leaders in return. The ED also claimed that bribes were used for AAP's Goa Assembly poll campaign in 2021-2022.