The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has leveled allegations against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of intentionally consuming foods that may increase his blood sugar levels. The accusation, which was raised during a hearing in a Delhi court, suggests that Kejriwal’s intake of mangoes, sweets, and sugary tea could be an attempt to manipulate his health conditions to support his request for bail on medical grounds.
The ED’s Special Public Prosecutor Zoheb Hossain argued that Kejriwal’s dietary choices appeared to be a calculated effort to manipulate his health for personal gain in his legal case. Kejriwal’s request was to continuously monitor his blood sugar levels and consult with his doctor three times a week due to his fluctuating blood sugar levels.
Kejriwal’s legal team, represented by Advocate Vivek Jain, rejected the ED’s claims as baseless, accusing the prosecution of attempting to sensationalize the issue for media attention rather than addressing the legal arguments. Jain also announced Kejriwal’s intention to withdraw his initial application and submit a revised version.
The court requested a medical report from the jail authorities regarding Kejriwal’s diet and scheduled further discussions for the next day. Meanwhile, Kejriwal remains in judicial custody at Tihar Jail after his arrest by the ED in connection with a money laundering case tied to a now-abandoned excise policy. His custody has been extended until April 23, 2024.
Kejriwal has appealed to the Supreme Court after the Delhi High Court dismissed his challenge against the ED’s arrest and remand. Alongside these legal battles, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Delhi High Court advocating for provisions that would enable Kejriwal to govern efficiently from custody. This includes proposals for him to hold virtual meetings with assembly members and cabinet. The PIL also calls on the Information and Broadcasting ministry to regulate media coverage to prevent misleading headlines, particularly regarding the potential imposition of President’s rule in Delhi.
