In the whirlwind 24 hours, Arvind Kejriwal, entangled in a money laundering case linked to the Delhi liquor scandal, has been dealt with three significant setbacks. Following Delhi High Court's dismissal of the challenge to his arrest and custody on Tuesday, Wednesday brought further disappointment from the Rouse Avenue Court concerning a petition for legal representation. Supreme Court news emerging later in the day dictated that Kejriwal must wait out for further hearings. The Delhi CM had challenged the High Court's ruling. However, there will be no prompt hearing for Kejriwal's plea in the SC, delaying his judicial recourse till at least next week when a special bench isn't expected to form before Monday.
The Delhi High Court had legitimized Kejriwal's arrest and detention on Tuesday, rejecting his arguments and dismissing his petition. Subsequently, on Wednesday morning, the Rouse Avenue Court also rejected another plea by Kejriwal that sought increased meetings with his lawyers. Kejriwal currently is permitted only two interactions a week with his legal team.
'Why Wait Until Monday?'
Kejriwal's legal team brought before the Supreme Court a challenge to the High Court decision on Wednesday. Kejriwal must now await a hearing next week. The apex court will not conduct an urgent review of his petition. Indeed, the imminent holidays of Eid on Thursday, a local holiday on Friday, together with the weekend leave no scope for a special bench formation or a hearing till Monday at the earliest.
Learn First What Happened at the Delhi High Court...
On Tuesday, the Delhi High Court justified Kejriwal's arrest and judicial custody in relation to the liquor scam money laundering case. Not only was his petition dismissed, but the court further clarified that the Enforcement Directorate's evidence against him is compelling. The court stated that Kejriwal was deeply involved in the conspiracy and had also solicited bribes. Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma from the High Court stressed that Kejriwal's arrest did not breach any legal frameworks and was indeed lawful. Current High Court remarks suggest challenges for Kejriwal could intensify going forward.
Kejriwal has been behind bars at Tihar Jail for ten days in judicial custody, following his arrest on March 21st by the Enforcement Directorate. After 10 days of interrogation, the trial court sent him to 15 days of judicial custody on April 1st. Meanwhile, Kejriwal's side argued that his arrest and custody were unlawful, a claim the High Court heard and reserved judgment on April 3rd.
Today's Rouse Avenue Court's Verdict...
Vivek Jain, Kejriwal's lawyer, argued in the Rouse Avenue Court that the Chief Minister of Delhi isn't seeking relief per se, but permission for supplementary meetings with lawyers in view of the multitude of cases against him in several courts. Jain mentioned that there are 35 to 40 cases against Kejriwal, and one hour a week isn't enough for understanding directions and giving instructions—a basic legal right Kejriwal demands. The ED's counsel argued that the request for five legal meetings per week contradicts the jail manual's guidelines. Once incarcerated, a person's status outside is irrelevant, and they are to be treated equally. Kejriwal is already granted two meetings a week, and any more would exceed the contact allowed with the outside world during judicial custody. The court dismissed Kejriwal's petition.
