AAP MP Sanjay Singh, who was behind bars since Oct. 2023 in the liquor policy case, comes out of the Tihar Jail after the Supreme Court granted him bail, in New Delhi, Wednesday, April 3, 2024.
Credit: PTI Photo
‘What are you thinking about Mina?” asked my husband, seeing me lost in thought.
“I was thinking of getting back to playing tennis,” I replied.
“What ! At your age ? You will break a leg!”
“That’s rubbish!” I retorted. “ I am fit and raring to go.”
“Maybe”, but where will you find a private tennis court all for yourself ?”
“That’s where Tihar comes in. I have it all planned out! Haven’t you heard of Tihar’s beautiful tennis courts where many a notable prisoner has sported a racquet?”
“Tihar Jail!” exclaimed my husband. “But what’s the connection? Only inmates can use those courts.”
“Exactly,” I replied. “So here’s the plan. I will join the AAP Party, and get into Tihar.”
“That’s very ingenious, Mina. Yes, the ED seems to be on an arresting spree, and its ‘Pehle AAP’ as I see ! But prison rules are strict. Will they allow you to take your tennis racquet?”
“Why not?” Arvind Kejriwal had special requests, Though, of course, I am neither a diabetic, nor a head of state.
My husband persisted: “What about laundry? You are particular about choosing the best washing machines.”
I laughed aloud. “You’ve got to be joking! Don’t you know that the Opposition is provided with the best washing machine ever…. Squeaky clean is the popular catch-phrase!”
“Oh, of course! I get it,” smiled my husband. “And you will come out snowy white, in your tennis outfits. Incidentally, while you are there, you can start an IPL – an Indian Prison League; and can have your cricket too.”
“Not a bad idea,” I replied. “I can raise that pitch too; and any arrested match-fixer can take guard.”
My husband cautioned me: “There’s a snag though. You may have to sing to the ED’s tune: ‘AAP’ jaisaa koi meri zindagi main aaye…tho baat ban jaye.’ And, if you don’t answer, they will accuse you of ‘not co-operating’, of being evasive like Kejriwal.”
“Oh come on! Kejriwal has every right to be ‘cagey’.”
Article 20(3) of the Indian Constitution, protects an accused against self-incrimination; provides thus: “No person accused of any offence shall be compelled to be a witness against himself.” An accused therefore, has a fundamental right to ‘remain silent’.”
“You will certainly raise the bar!” said my husband admiringly. “You being a lawyer, helps. So it’s all settled. But you better hurry. AAP leaders seem to be getting out fast on bail.”
“Don’t worry Anand. I will have my fill of tennis, and only then move across courts to serve up a petition for quashing my arrest.”
“That’s brilliant Mina! But once back home, how will you continue to keep fit?”
“Easy. Tennis done, I can run. Eat wisely. Work on my ‘ED’.”
“‘ED?” “Exercise and Diet. Plus, I will need a new ‘WM’ to keep me motivated.” “A washing machine?”
As usual, I had the last word: “A ‘weighing machine’ !”