Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, faces an extension of his judicial custody as the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi prolongs it till April 23, 2024. Despite his attempts to secure an urgent hearing in the Supreme Court for his release, his efforts have been thwarted
Arrest and Extension
Arvind Kejriwal, currently held in Tihar Jail, was apprehended by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding alleged financial irregularities in the implementation of Delhi’s excise policy for 2021-22. Special Judge Kaveri Baweja, overseeing cases involving the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), decided to extend Kejriwal’s custody following a hearing conducted via video conferencing. This decision was made upon the request of the ED, citing the critical phase of the ongoing investigation.
Legal Proceedings
Initially detained until April 15, Kejriwal’s legal battle ensued after the Delhi High Court’s refusal to shield him from coercive actions by the ED. Subsequently, he approached the Supreme Court seeking relief, which responded by issuing a notice to the ED. Despite Kejriwal’s plea for an early hearing, the Supreme Court denied it, setting April 24 as the deadline for the ED to respond, with further proceedings scheduled for the week beginning April 29.
Kejriwal’s Response
Kejriwal has vehemently protested his arrest, labeling it as an assault on democracy, free and fair elections, and federalism. The AAP has denounced the charges as political vendetta aimed at undermining the party’s integrity before the elections.
