NEW DELHI: A Delhi court on Monday sent chief minister Arvind Kejriwal to judicial custody until April 15, as the AAP supremo submitted an application requesting access to three books: the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, and How Prime Ministers Decide.
Arvind Kejriwal’s appearance in court was marked by heightened security measures at the Rouse Avenue court on Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg.Prior to being produced in court, Kejriwal criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, remarking that “What the PM is doing is not good for the country.”
Appearing before Special Judge Kaweri Baweja of the Rouse Avenue Court, Kejriwal’s custody under the Enforcement Directorate (ED) expired in connection with the money laundering case related to the alleged excise policy scam.
Judge Baweja, on March 28, had extended Kejriwal’s ED custody, citing “sufficient reasons.” However, she permitted him to meet family members and lawyers.
Kejriwal was produced before Delhi court amid tight security
Kejriwal was produced before the special judge in a jam-packed courtroom, with legal representatives from both the ED and Kejriwal, presenting submissions virtually. Senior Advocates Vikram Chaudhary and Ramesh Gupta represented Kejriwal, while Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV. Raju appeared for the probe agency.
AAP ministers Atishi, Saurabh Bhardwaj and Kejriwal’s wife Sunita Kejriwal were also present in court.
ASG Raju sought judicial custody for Kejriwal, stating, “we (ED) seek his judicial custody and no more ED remand.”
‘Kejriwal is non-cooperative’
The ED reiterated its previous allegation of non-cooperation by Kejriwal, asserting, “He (Kejriwal) is non-cooperative and is giving evasive replies.”
Furthermore, the ASG noted Kejriwal’s reluctance to provide the password to his phone, indicating that the ED might request his custody later.
Kejriwal requested special provisions
After a brief hearing, the judge remanded Kejriwal to judicial custody until April 15. Additionally, Kejriwal requested special provisions including a special diet, access to medicines, books, and a religious locket that he is wearing while in custody.
Previously, the probe agency had sought Kejriwal’s custody for seven more days, but the court extended his ED remand by four days till April 1. The court observed “sufficient reasons” for further custodial interrogation based on the ED’s submissions.
The court directed the ED to conduct the interrogation at a location with CCTV coverage and provide necessary medication to Kejriwal during his custody.
Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21 after being questioned for over two hours at his official residence in Delhi. The ED has labeled Kejriwal as the “kingpin and key conspirator” of the alleged excise scam in collusion with other Delhi government ministers, AAP leaders, and others.
(With inputs from agencies)
Arvind Kejriwal’s appearance in court was marked by heightened security measures at the Rouse Avenue court on Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg.Prior to being produced in court, Kejriwal criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, remarking that “What the PM is doing is not good for the country.”
Appearing before Special Judge Kaweri Baweja of the Rouse Avenue Court, Kejriwal’s custody under the Enforcement Directorate (ED) expired in connection with the money laundering case related to the alleged excise policy scam.
Judge Baweja, on March 28, had extended Kejriwal’s ED custody, citing “sufficient reasons.” However, she permitted him to meet family members and lawyers.
Kejriwal was produced before Delhi court amid tight security
Kejriwal was produced before the special judge in a jam-packed courtroom, with legal representatives from both the ED and Kejriwal, presenting submissions virtually. Senior Advocates Vikram Chaudhary and Ramesh Gupta represented Kejriwal, while Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV. Raju appeared for the probe agency.
AAP ministers Atishi, Saurabh Bhardwaj and Kejriwal’s wife Sunita Kejriwal were also present in court.
ASG Raju sought judicial custody for Kejriwal, stating, “we (ED) seek his judicial custody and no more ED remand.”
‘Kejriwal is non-cooperative’
The ED reiterated its previous allegation of non-cooperation by Kejriwal, asserting, “He (Kejriwal) is non-cooperative and is giving evasive replies.”
Furthermore, the ASG noted Kejriwal’s reluctance to provide the password to his phone, indicating that the ED might request his custody later.
Kejriwal requested special provisions
After a brief hearing, the judge remanded Kejriwal to judicial custody until April 15. Additionally, Kejriwal requested special provisions including a special diet, access to medicines, books, and a religious locket that he is wearing while in custody.
Previously, the probe agency had sought Kejriwal’s custody for seven more days, but the court extended his ED remand by four days till April 1. The court observed “sufficient reasons” for further custodial interrogation based on the ED’s submissions.
The court directed the ED to conduct the interrogation at a location with CCTV coverage and provide necessary medication to Kejriwal during his custody.
Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21 after being questioned for over two hours at his official residence in Delhi. The ED has labeled Kejriwal as the “kingpin and key conspirator” of the alleged excise scam in collusion with other Delhi government ministers, AAP leaders, and others.
(With inputs from agencies)