Delhi Court Extends Arvind Kejriwal’s Judicial Custody Till April 23 in Excise Policy Case

The case has also raised concerns about the broader issues of judicial independence, freedom of speech, and the role of investigative agencies in the country's political landscape.

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The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi on Monday extended the judicial custody of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal till April 23, 2024, in connection with the money laundering case related to the now-scrapped excise policy. The court order came after Kejriwal attended the session via video conferencing.

The court also extended the judicial custody of co-accused K Kavitha until April 23 in the same case.

Earlier on Monday, the Supreme Court deferred hearing Kejriwal’s plea challenging his arrest until April 29 and directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to file its response on or before April 24.

The 55-year-old Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor is currently lodged in Jail number 2 of the Tihar prison complex.

The judicial custody of Kejriwal, who was arrested on March 22 and remanded to ED custody until March 28, was extended multiple times before he was sent to judicial custody on April 1.

Dismissal of Bail Plea

On April 10, the Delhi High Court dismissed Kejriwal’s plea challenging his arrest, citing sufficient evidence presented by the ED, including statements from approvers and an AAP candidate, indicating that Kejriwal had received kickbacks for the Goa assembly elections.

The court’s decision to extend Kejriwal’s judicial custody comes amid intense legal battles and a high-stakes political drama surrounding the Delhi excise policy case.

Excise Policy Case

The case revolves around alleged irregularities and corruption in the formulation and implementation of the now-scrapped excise policy in Delhi. The ED has accused Kejriwal and other AAP leaders of being involved in money laundering and accepting kickbacks from liquor traders in exchange for favorable policies.

The AAP has vehemently denied the allegations, accusing the BJP-led central government of political vendetta and misusing investigative agencies for political gains.

As the legal proceedings continue, the extension of Kejriwal’s judicial custody has further intensified the political battle between the AAP and the BJP, with both sides accusing each other of undermining democratic norms and due process.

The case has also raised concerns about the broader issues of judicial independence, freedom of speech, and the role of investigative agencies in the country’s political landscape.

Also Read: In Symbolic Gesture, Ajit Pawar Gets Ears Pierced, Calls 2024 Polls “Beyond Village Politics”

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