Delhi Liquor Scam: Another blow to Kejriwal, court extends judicial custody till April 23
The Rouse Avenue Court extended the judicial custody of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal till April 23. The ED had sought an extension of judicial custody for 14 days but the court said that since another accused in the same case, K. Kavita’s judicial custody has been extended till April 23, so Kejriwal’s judicial custody is also extended till April 23.
Jagran Correspondent, New Delhi. The Rouse Avenue Court extended the judicial custody of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, accused in the money laundering case related to the excise scam, till April 23. The probe agency had sought extension of Kejriwal’s judicial custody for 14 days. After the judicial custody ended, the ED produced Kejriwal before the special court at Rouse Avenue through video conferencing from Tihar Jail.
The court also ordered Kejriwal to be produced through video conferencing on April 23. The court said that since in this case one of the other accused. Kavita’s judicial custody has been extended till April 23, so Kejriwal’s judicial custody is also extended till April 23.
Supreme Court sent notice to ED
Kejriwal has challenged his arrest and remand in court. It was heard in the Supreme Court today. In this case, the Supreme Court has asked the ED to file its reply on or before April 24. The Supreme Court has adjourned the plea of the Delhi CM for the week starting from April 29. Abhishek Manu Singhvi told the Supreme Court that the Delhi CM was arrested to deprive him of campaigning.
Kejriwal was arrested on March 21
Apart from Arvind Kejriwal, Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia is also in jail since February last year in the excise policy case. Sanjay Singh was also arrested in the case, though he has recently come out of jail on bail. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on the evening of March 21 after two hours of questioning. Since then he is in custody.
What is the excise policy matter?
The CBI and ED have accused the Delhi government of making irregularities while revising the excise policy and giving undue benefits to license holders. This policy is alleged to have caused a loss of Rs 144.36 crore to the exchequer. In the case, the LG had recommended a CBI inquiry on July 22, 2022 into violations of rules and procedural lapses.
