Delhi High Court Denies Urgent Hearing, Arvind Kejriwal Directed to Return to Jail

Arvind Kejriwal, the AAP chief, faces a legal setback as the Supreme Court registry denies his plea for an urgent hearing and orders him to return to jail by June 2. Initially released on interim bail for campaigning during Lok Sabha elections, Kejriwal sought an extension due to medical reasons related to the Delhi excise policy case. However, the registry cited earlier orders limiting his bail until June 1 and advised him to seek regular bail from the trial court. Kejriwal’s legal team is now evaluating options in light of this decision, considering a possible approach to the trial court for regular bail.

Despite Kejriwal’s plea highlighting urgent medical examinations, including PET-CT scans and Holter monitoring, the vacation bench, comprising Justices JK Maheshwari and KV Viswanathan, refused an urgent hearing. The bench suggested that the Chief Justice of India (CJI) should decide the matter, as proceedings on Kejriwal’s petition have concluded for judgment.

The rejection by the Supreme Court registry signifies a substantial legal barrier for Kejriwal. While his legal team had sought an extension, the registry emphasized adherence to earlier orders and the option of seeking regular bail from the trial court. Kejriwal’s plea for extension of interim bail was deemed unrelated to his main petition, which challenges the validity of his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). With the Supreme Court closed for summer break until July 8, the verdict on Kejriwal’s petition is expected post-resumption of regular functioning.