NI Bureau
New Delhi : Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s custody in connection to the Delhi liquor policy case has been extended by four days. He has been remanded to the Enforcement Directorate’s custody until April 1.
Earlier this month, Mr. Kejriwal was arrested following the refusal of the Delhi High Court to intervene in the matter. Subsequently, officials from the Enforcement Directorate conducted a raid at the residence of the Aam Aadmi Party leader and took him into custody. Despite seeking relief from the Supreme Court initially, Mr. Kejriwal withdrew his plea shortly thereafter, citing unfavorable precedent. Consequently, he was placed under ED custody for a week.
Today marks the expiration of the previous period of custody.
In response to his arrest, Mr. Kejriwal has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court, contending that the conduct of the investigating agency infringed upon his fundamental rights. However, the court refrained from immediate action and issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate, seeking a response by April 2.
The hearing in the Delhi High Court is scheduled to resume on April 3.
Additionally, a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking Mr. Kejriwal’s removal from the position of Chief Minister due to his arrest has been dismissed by the court. Acting Chief Justice Manmohan, heading the bench, declined to comment on the merits of the issue, stating that it was beyond the purview of judicial interference.
Today, Delhi CM Kejriwal was granted permission to address the court directly. During his brief but impassioned speech, he accused the probe agency of attempting to “crush” his party. He reiterated the stance of the Aam Aadmi Party since his arrest, emphasizing that none of the alleged ₹100 crore in bribes had been recovered and that no court had found him guilty.
