Delhi Court to Hear Arvind Kejriwal's Plea for Regular Check-Ups Amid Allegations of Deliberately Raising Sugar Levels in Jail

A Delhi court is set to hear Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's plea for regular medical check-ups after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) alleged that he was eating mangoes and other high-sugar foods to deliberately raise his sugar levels while in Tihar jail custody in connection with the alleged irregularities in the Delhi excise policy case. Kejriwal, who has type 2 diabetes, filed a fresh plea seeking permission to consult a doctor daily for 15 minutes, as his blood sugar levels have been fluctuating due to acute diabetes.

The ED claimed before the court that Kejriwal was consuming food high in sugar like mangoes, sweets, and aloo poori daily to create grounds for a medical bail. However, Kejriwal's counsel denied the allegation, arguing that mangoes were sent to him only thrice out of 48 meals and that he was following the prescribed diet with a small exception. The court observed that there appears to be a deviation between what Kejriwal was allowed to eat in home-cooked meals and what was supplied to him.

The court has asked the Tihar jail authorities to submit a report on Kejriwal's diet in jail, including the medicines he has been taking. It has also sought details of Kejriwal's diet chart from the jail authorities. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has claimed that Kejriwal's blood pressure and sugar levels have risen in Tihar jail, but the jail authorities have stated that his weight and sugar levels are maintained.

Why this matters: The allegations against Kejriwal and his plea for regular medical check-ups have raised concerns about the treatment of high-profile individuals in custody and the potential for political motives behind such claims. The case also highlights the importance of proper medical care for individuals with chronic health conditions, even when they are in custody.

The court has reserved its order on Kejriwal's plea for regular medical check-ups and will announce its verdict on Monday, April 22. The Delhi Lt Governor has also asked the prison authorities to submit a report on the allegations that Kejriwal was being denied insulin in jail. The Supreme Court has sought a response from the ED on Kejriwal's plea challenging his arrest in the money laundering case, while the Delhi High Court had earlier dismissed Kejriwal's petition challenging his arrest by the ED.

Key Takeaways

• Delhi court to hear Kejriwal's plea for regular medical check-ups in Tihar jail.
• ED alleges Kejriwal ate mangoes, sweets to raise sugar levels for medical bail.
• Court seeks report on Kejriwal's diet and medicines in jail, reserves order.
• AAP claims Kejriwal's health deteriorated in jail, authorities say he's stable.
• Supreme Court, Delhi HC hear Kejriwal's pleas challenging his arrest in cases.