New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is slated to return to Tihar jail on Sunday as his interim bail in a money laundering case linked to the alleged Delhi liquor policy scam expires on Saturday (June 1). Kejriwal had been granted interim bail by the Supreme Court to campaign for the Lok Sabha elections starting on May 10, with an instruction to surrender to Tihar jail on June 2.

Kejriwal had previously sought an extension of interim bail from the Supreme Court. However, on Wednesday, the Supreme Court dismissed his plea, reasoning that since he had the liberty to apply for regular bail in the trial court, his plea before them was not maintainable.

Meanwhile, the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi on Saturday deferred the verdict on Kejriwal's plea for interim bail due to medical grounds in a money laundering case related to the alleged excise policy scam. The court has scheduled June 5 for the announcement of the decision regarding the plea for a 7-day bail, rejecting Kejriwal's request for an immediate order.

Senior Advocate N Hariharan, representing Kejriwal, argued that the interim bail had been granted to facilitate campaigning for his party, the Aam Aadmi Party, during the national elections. He emphasized the health concerns arising from stress during the campaign, particularly regarding increased levels of sugar and keto.

Representing the Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Additional Solicitor General SV Raju alleged that Kejriwal had concealed information about his health conditions. They asserted that the interim bail plea was replete with factual suppression and objected to its filing. The ED lawyers also raised objections regarding the maintainability of the interim bail plea, highlighting Kejriwal's travel activities during the period.

Kejriwal had previously filed two separate bail applications through his legal team. His regular bail plea is scheduled for a hearing on June 7, 2024.

Earlier, Kejriwal had posted an emotional message expressing his pride in going to jail to protect the country from dictatorship. He emphasized his determination despite facing attempts to break his spirit.

Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21 in connection with a money laundering investigation related to alleged irregularities in the now-canceled Delhi excise policy for 2021-22.

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