New Delhi, June 5 2024 - Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's plea for interim bail has been rejected by the Rouse Avenue court. Kejriwal had sought a seven-day interim bail for medical treatment. However, after a hearing on Wednesday, the court denied his request and ordered him to remain in jail until June 19. The court also mandated a physical examination for Kejriwal.

Kejriwal's lawyer, Vivek Jain, argued before Justice Kaveri Baweja that Kejriwal's health necessitated proper medical attention. Despite these concerns, the court was not persuaded to grant the bail.

According to court sources, the Supreme Court of India had previously granted Kejriwal interim bail until June 1 in connection with an excise corruption case related to the Lok Sabha elections. Before this period expired, Kejriwal's legal team sought an additional seven days of interim bail due to his health condition, leading to an extended hearing on June 1. Nevertheless, Judge Baweja adjourned the decision until June 5, ultimately denying the bail plea.

Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) after evading nine summonses in the liquor sales policy (Excise) case. Since his arrest, he has been in custody.

Kejriwal and his party, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), have alleged that the ED, under the control of the BJP government, is using the case to suppress opposition. Several other opposition parties have also accused the BJP of manipulating the ED for political gains.