The Enforcement Directorate’s rejection of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s plea to consult his regular doctor via video conference while incarcerated in Tihar Jail has sparked a contentious legal battle. Kejriwal, who was arrested last month on corruption charges, finds himself entangled in a web of allegations and counter-claims surrounding his health concerns, particularly regarding his Type 2 diabetes.
Despite being provided with medication while in jail, Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has raised red flags about his fluctuating blood sugar levels and weight loss. These concerns led to the plea before Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court, which ultimately dismissed the request, siding with the Enforcement Directorate’s assertion that Kejriwal’s purported health issues were being exaggerated to pave the way for a bail appeal.
In a dramatic courtroom exchange, Zuhaib Hussain, representing the Enforcement Directorate, alleged that Kejriwal’s dietary choices contradicted his claims of ill health. Specifically, the ED claimed that Kejriwal was consuming sweets and mangoes, both of which are advised against for individuals with diabetes. This revelation further fueled the agency’s argument that Kejriwal was manipulating his health condition to garner sympathy and legal concessions.
Hussain’s statement to reporters after the hearing encapsulated the agency’s stance: “The diet chart includes mangoes and sweets… it has been presented before the court. (Mr Kejriwal) is regularly consuming foods not permitted for any diabetic patient.” This assertion underscored the ED’s contention that Kejriwal’s actions were inconsistent with his professed health concerns.
However, Kejriwal’s legal team vehemently refuted these allegations, maintaining that all dietary decisions were made under the guidance of his medical professionals. Vivek Jain, Kejriwal’s lawyer, accused the Enforcement Directorate of concocting excuses to disrupt the supply of home-cooked food, which had been permitted by the court due to Kejriwal’s diabetic condition.
“He is only consuming what is prescribed by doctors. The ED is making up excuses to prevent the supply of home-cooked food for Kejriwal. This concerns the Chief Minister’s health,” Jain asserted, emphasizing the importance of adhering to medical advice in managing Kejriwal’s diabetes.
Amidst this legal tug-of-war, the court has called for a comprehensive report from the jail authorities to shed light on Kejriwal’s dietary regimen and overall health status. This decision reflects the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of individuals under its custody, balancing the legal imperatives with the imperative of safeguarding the health and well-being of the accused.
As the matter awaits further deliberation, the saga surrounding Arvind Kejriwal’s incarceration continues to capture public attention, emblematic of the intersection between politics, law, and personal health. With the stakes high and the spotlight glaring, each legal maneuver and courtroom revelation adds another layer of complexity to an already intricate narrative, leaving observers on tenterhooks awaiting the next twist in this unfolding drama.
