The Rouse Avenue court in Delhi has decided to keep Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in custody with the Enforcement Directorate for an additional four days until April 1. This means that Kejriwal, who leads the AAP party nationally, will have to appear in court on April 1 at 11:30 am.
The Enforcement Directorate had actually requested a seven-day extension to continue questioning Kejriwal regarding a money laundering case.
The court’s decision followed Kejriwal’s statement in court defending himself, where he accused the probe agency of attempting to suppress the AAP.
Arvind Kejriwal’s Extended Custody
Delhi’s Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, who has been imprisoned on corruption allegations related to a purported liquor policy scam, will remain in Enforcement Directorate custody for an additional four days, extending until April 1. Kejriwal was arrested earlier this month, following the Delhi High Court’s decision not to intervene.
Subsequently, the Enforcement Directorate officials conducted a raid at the residence of the Aam Aadmi Party leader and detained him. Although he initially sought relief from the Supreme Court, Kejriwal withdrew his plea as his legal team pointed out unfavorable precedents for the Delhi Chief Minister. Consequently, he was transferred to Enforcement Directorate custody for a week, which expired today.
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Arvind Kejriwal High Court Proceedings
Mr. Kejriwal has taken his case to the Delhi High Court, arguing that his arrest by the probe agency violated his fundamental rights. The court has asked the Enforcement Directorate to respond by April 2, postponing the immediate action. The court session will reconvene on April 3.
Moreover, a public interest litigation seeking Mr. Kejriwal’s removal as Chief Minister due to his arrest has been dismissed by the court. The Acting Chief Justice Manmohan, leading the bench, stated that it wasn’t within the court’s scope to comment on this matter.
Today, Mr. Kejriwal was granted permission to speak directly to the court. He passionately accused the probe agency of attempting to undermine his party. Mr. Kejriwal emphasized that none of the alleged ₹100 crore bribes had been recovered and no court had found him guilty.
“I have been arrested, yet no court has proven my guilt. Despite the CBI filing 31,000 pages and the ED filing 25,000 pages, the question remains: Why have I been arrested?” Mr. Kejriwal questioned the court.
What Is Delhi Liquor Policy Scam?
The Enforcement Directorate has stated that the previous liquor policy, which has since been scrapped, allowed retailers to make an extremely high profit margin of 185%, while wholesalers had a 12% margin. It’s alleged that a portion of the wholesalers’ profit, amounting to over ₹600 crore, was obtained through bribery, allegedly used to support the AAP’s election campaigns.
The ED has accused the Chief Minister of being a main figure in this situation. However, Mr. Kejriwal, along with his party colleagues including ex-Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, and former Health Minister Satyendar Jain, have all denied these allegations.
Both the AAP and the opposition have criticized the BJP-led central government for using agencies like the ED to target their rivals and critics ahead of the general election. The AAP particularly criticizes Mr. Kejriwal’s arrest, claiming it was done to disrupt his party’s campaign plans.
The BJP, however, denies the opposition’s claims that it uses central agencies for such purposes.
Also Read: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal Arrested By ED in Liquor Policy Case
Arvind Kejriwal’s Extended Custody FAQs
Q.1. Why was Arvind Kejriwal arrested?
Ans. Arvind Kejriwal was arrested in connection to allegations regarding a liquor policy scam, accused of corruption.
Q.2. What is the Enforcement Directorate’s role in the case?
Ans. The Enforcement Directorate is investigating allegations of money laundering related to the purported liquor policy scam.
Q.3. What happens next in Kejriwal’s legal proceedings?
Ans. Kejriwal’s case is pending in the Delhi High Court, with the court set to reconvene on April 3 to address his allegations against the probe agency.
Q.4. How long will Kejriwal remain in custody?
Ans. Kejriwal’s custody has been extended until April 1, with further developments pending court proceedings.
Q.5. What are the allegations against Kejriwal and his party?
Ans. Allegations suggest involvement in a liquor policy scam, including bribery to support election campaigns, which both Kejriwal and his party vehemently deny.
