Delhi court orders judicial custody for CM Kejriwal in excise policy case until April 15
New Delhi, April 1 (IANS) – Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been sent to judicial custody until April 15 by a Delhi court. This decision comes after he moved an application to have three books – Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, and How Prime Ministers Decide. He was produced before Special Judge Kaweri Baweja of the Rouse Avenue Court following the expiry of his Enforcement Directorate custody in relation to a money laundering case.
During the court proceedings on Monday, both the ED and CM Kejriwal’s counsels made submissions virtually. Senior Advocates Vikram Chaudhary and Ramesh Gupta appeared for Kejriwal, while Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju represented the probe agency. ASG Raju sought judicial custody for Kejriwal, stating, “we (ED) seek his judicial custody and no more ED remand.”
The ED reiterated their previous allegations against Kejriwal, stating that he is “non-cooperative and is giving evasive replies.” They also mentioned his refusal to provide the password to his phone. In response, the ASG indicated that the ED might seek his custody at a later date. After a brief hearing, Judge Baweja ordered Kejriwal to be in judicial custody until April 15.
Previously, the probe agency had requested seven more days of custody for the Chief Minister. However, after considering the arguments, the court extended his ED remand by four days until April 1. The ED emphasized the need for further custodial interrogation to confront Kejriwal with collected materials and statements recorded during the investigation.
During his custody, Kejriwal will be provided with a special diet, medicines, books, and a religious locket that he is wearing. The court also directed the agency to conduct interrogations in a place with CCTV coverage and ensure his medical examination as per the law. The ED had arrested Kejriwal on March 21 after questioning him at his official residence in Delhi, alleging his involvement in an excise scam.
The court allowed Kejriwal to meet his family members, including his wife, daughter, PA, and advocates, during his custody. Additionally, the ED was instructed to preserve the interrogation footage and provide necessary medications to Kejriwal. The agency has labeled the Chief Minister as the “kingpin and key conspirator” in the alleged excise scam, implicating other Delhi government ministers, AAP leaders, and individuals.
The continued legal proceedings surrounding Kejriwal’s custody shed light on the complex nature of the case and the allegations against him. As the judicial process unfolds, further developments are expected to provide more clarity on the situation.
