Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi and leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), will remain in jail as his judicial custody has been extended until June 19. This decision came after Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court rejected his request for an extension of his interim bail on medical grounds.
Kejriwal had been granted interim bail by the Supreme Court on May 10, following his arrest on April 1, which lasted until June 1, coinciding with the final phase of voting in the seven-stage Lok Sabha polls. The court had indicated that any pleas to extend relief beyond that date would be considered later.
Kejriwal's legal team had sought bail until July, arguing it was necessary to see through the election and the formation of the new government.
On Sunday, Kejriwal surrendered to Tihar Jail authorities after making several stops around the national capital. He left his residence at around 3 pm and paid respects at Rajghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. He then visited the Hanuman Mandir and the AAP headquarters before finally reaching Tihar Jail, where he had been held prior to his interim release.
Kejriwal's time in Tihar Jail has been contentious, marked by disputes over his health care and medication management. The Chief Minister, a diabetic, and his party accused the jail authorities of withholding necessary medicines. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) refuted these claims, arguing that the food sent from Kejriwal's home was not suitable for a diabetic diet.
Despite his plea for an extension on health grounds on June 1, Kejriwal received no relief from the court. Speaking to his supporters and the media, he expressed his concerns about the treatment he might face in custody.
"I don't know what these people will do to me... We are disciples of Bhagat Singh. We are going to jail to save the country... When power becomes a dictatorship, jail becomes a responsibility," he stated.
Kejriwal's arrest and subsequent legal battles have occurred during a crucial time for his party, as the Lok Sabha elections reached their final stages. His situation has brought significant attention and added pressure on the AAP as they navigate the political landscape amidst these legal challenges.
The extension of Kejriwal's judicial custody until June 19 means that he will continue to be absent from active political duties, impacting his party's operations and strategies during this critical period. The AAP leader's incarceration has become a focal point of discussion, highlighting the intersection of health issues, legal battles, and political dynamics in the current Indian political climate.
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