The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi has adjourned the hearing of complaints against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday, over his failure to comply with the ED's summons in the liquor policy case. Kejriwal's legal team had earlier sought time from the court to file a reply to the ED's responses. However, today, Kejriwal's law representatives expressed their inability to file a response due to the limited legal meetings permitted with him.
During the hearing, Kejriwal's senior counsel Ramesh Gupta remarked that they had not filed any counter-response to the ED's reply as they couldn't facilitate a legal meeting with Kejriwal in Tihar Jail. He shared that the ED had opposed Kejriwal's request in court for more legal meetings. Kejriwal's lawyer pointed out that he (Kejriwal) is involved in over 30 cases across India. The ED seems to have no other business in this world other than opposing all applications filed by Kejriwal. Their ability to conduct legal meetings is hindered.
The senior counsel further lamented that due to ED's intervention, Kejriwal is not permitted to have legal counsel for his cases, being limited to only two legal meetings per week. If more time is granted, they would still not have Kejriwal's instructions for a response. They are at a loss for directives from Arvind Kejriwal.
Advocate Gupta also mentioned besides the many cases on Kejriwal's docket. The ED is so fixated on pursuing him that they scarcely allow him time to eat or use the restroom.
Meanwhile, ASG S.V. Raju, representing the ED, objected to the statements and suggested that Kejriwal's lawyers could request time to file a reply. Subsequently, the court adjourned the matter till May 4th, giving time to Kejriwal's legal team to submit a response.
