The Delhi High Court is set to hear a plea from Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on July 8, requesting additional meetings with his lawyers during his judicial custody at Tihar Jail. Kejriwal seeks two extra sessions to discuss his legal matters, citing the complexity of his cases across the country and his right to a fair trial.
Justice Neena Bansal Krishna's bench will preside over the hearing following a recent dismissal of Kejriwal's plea by the trial court. The earlier decision cited that Kejriwal had filed numerous litigations and had been arrested in another case by the CBI after the plea was submitted.
Previously, co-accused Sanjay Singh was granted additional legal consultations on February 22, 2024. The trial court, in its order, emphasised that Kejriwal's fresh plea did not present new grounds different from those considered in the April 10, 2024 ruling, which differentiated it from Singh's case.
Recently, the Rouse Avenue Court of Delhi declined Kejriwal's request for his wife's presence during consultations with the medical board, citing adherence to Prison Rules.
The court upheld Rule 479 (C) of the Delhi Prison Rules, 2018, which allows a family member to accompany an undertrial prisoner only when hospitalised outside the jail premises. Kejriwal, currently in judicial custody at Tihar Jail, is not admitted to any external hospital, as clarified by the court.
However, the court permitted Kejriwal's wife to independently meet with the medical board or doctors to discuss his medically prescribed diet, if permitted under Hospital Rules. Additionally, it directed jail authorities to provide medical records of Kejriwal's consultations with doctors to his wife.
The petition stems from the excise policy money laundering case involving allegations by the ED and CBI of irregularities in modifying the excise policy. Allegations include undue favours to licence holders, waiver or reduction of licence fees, and extensions of L-1 licences without proper authority approval.
The legal proceedings highlight Kejriwal's efforts to secure fair access to legal consultations and medical oversight while in custody. The upcoming hearing at the Delhi High Court will determine the next steps in addressing his plea for additional legal meetings during his time at Tihar Jail.
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