A Delhi court on Wednesday rejected Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s plea to increase his legal meetings while in judicial custody amidst the money laundering case linked to the now-defunct Delhi liquor excise policy 2021-22. Kejriwal had petitioned the court to escalate his legal consultations from twice a week to five times a week. Special Judge Kaveri Baweja dismissed the application, having reserved her verdict since April 5.
Advocate Vivek Jain, representing Kejriwal, argued that the current allowance of half an hour twice a week for legal consultations was insufficient, particularly considering the multitude of cases, numbering between 35 to 40, pending against him. He emphasized the fundamental right to adequate legal representation, citing the case of AAP parliamentarian Sanjay Singh, who was permitted thrice-weekly counsel meetings while in judicial custody.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED), opposing Kejriwal’s plea, contended that governing from prison did not warrant special treatment and cautioned against potential misuse of legal meetings. They informed the court of statements recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) suggesting Kejriwal’s involvement in decision-making via legal representatives.
ED’s special public prosecutor, Zoheb Hossain, underscored that granting five legal meetings contravened jail regulations, noting the restricted exposure to the outside world inherent in judicial custody.
Kejriwal, arrested by the ED on March 21, has been held in Tihar jail since April 1.
Additionally, the Delhi High Court dismissed Kejriwal’s petition challenging his arrest and subsequent remand by the ED on Tuesday.
The ED alleges Kejriwal’s complicity in a conspiracy involving a ₹100 crore bribe paid to AAP by the so-called South group, who purportedly benefitted from alterations to the 2021-22 policy.
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Kejriwal is the third AAP leader apprehended in connection with the Delhi excise case, following former Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia and AAP MP Sanjay Singh. Sisodia remains in judicial custody at Tihar jail, while Singh secured bail from the Supreme Court on April 2.
The case, instigated by Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena’s recommendation for a probe into alleged policy irregularities in July 2022, was taken up by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).