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Synopsis

During a session at Rouse Avenue Court, Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, argued that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) misrepresented facts concerning Kejriwal's dietary habits.

Sr Adv Singhvi stated, “The mangoes have been made to look like sugar bullets. How ridiculous this is”. These remarks were made regarding Kejriwal's latest plea seeking daily virtual consultations with his regular physicians, a departure from his previous request for thrice-weekly consultations.

Sr Adv Singhvi maintained that the ED's accusations were primarily aimed at sensationalizing the matter rather than addressing genuine legal concerns.  He stated, “The allegation is that I have been consuming mangoes. Out of 48 meals sent from home, only three times mangoes were there. They want to do a media trial. Their submission was only for media news”.

The ED has alleged that Kejriwal, despite being diabetic, deliberately consumed sweets and high-sugar items like mangoes to raise his blood sugar levels, thus skewing his medical reports and securing medical bail. The ED presented a detailed account of his jail diet, accusing him of jeopardizing his health for medical bail.

Sr Adv Singhvi asserted that the issue concerned Kejriwal and the jail authorities, not the ED. He emphasized Kejriwal's long-standing diabetic condition and refuted accusations of sugar usage, stating that Kejriwal used sugar-free alternatives. Singhvi criticized the ED for what he saw as a politicized attempt to sensationalize Kejriwal's dietary choices.

“They said I used sugar with tea. I used sugar free in my tea. Because I am diabetic. How petty and political and ridiculous ED can get”, Sr Adv Singhvi stated.

Furthermore, Sr Adv Singhvi questioned the denial of Kejriwal's right to dignified treatment and adequate healthcare as a prisoner. He advocated for Kejriwal's access to 15 minutes of virtual consultations with his doctor.

Sr Adv Singhvi also highlighted that Kejriwal has been diabetic for the past 22 years and receives a daily dose of insulin. He asserted that Kejriwal should be allowed to consult the same doctor. He stated, “Just because you have a lot of influence in the media you are able to publish that I am having aaloo puri even though this meal was sent once during pooja. Just because I am a prisoner I have no right to a dignified life and good health?”.
 
Accordingly, the court reserved the order for April 22, 2024. 

[Inputs: Times Now]