New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was extended for four days till April 1 on Thursday. Arvind Kejriwal was detained on corruption charges related to an alleged liquor policy scam.
Kejriwal’s arrest earlier this month followed the Delhi High Court’s refusal to intervene in the matter. Following his arrest, ED officials conducted a raid on the Aam Aadmi Party leader’s residence and took Arvind Kejriwal into custody. Although Kejriwal sought relief from the Supreme Court, his legal team withdrew the plea, citing unfavourable precedents. Consequently, Kejriwal was remanded to ED custody for a week.
As the custody period expired on Thursday, Kejriwal moved the Delhi High Court, alleging that the probe agency’s actions violated his fundamental rights. However, the court opted not to take immediate action and instead, issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate, demanding a response by April 2.
The Delhi High Court hearing is scheduled to resume on April 3.
Additionally, the court dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the removal of Arvind Kejriwal from the position of Chief Minister following his arrest. Acting Chief Justice Manmohan, heading the bench, declined to delve into the merits of the issue, stating it was beyond the realm of judicial intervention.
Earlier in the day, Arvind Kejriwal was granted permission to address the court directly. In a brief, yet impassioned speech, he accused the probe agency of attempting to suppress his party.
Kejriwal reiterated the Aam Aadmi Party’s stance that none of the alleged Rs 100 crore in bribes had been recovered and emphasised that no court had found him guilty.
“I was arrested…but no court has proved me guilty. The CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) has filed 31,000 pages (of chargesheets) and ED filed 25,000 pages. Even if you read them together…the question remains…why have I been arrested?” Kejriwal questioned the court.
Did you know The Theorist also has a WhatsApp channel? Click here to follow us on WhatsApp
Read all the World News, Business News, Sports News, Entertainment News, Business News and Opinion here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
