Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's legal custody extended until May 20

Delhi court has decided to keep Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's legal custody extended until May 20 over a case involving alleged money laundering linked to a now-obsolete alcohol policy. Kejriwal attended the court session through a video call as his previous custody term expired.

Judge Kaveri Baweja postponed the release of another person, Chanpreet Singh, until the same date. The judge handles cases for both the CBI and the ED.

Supreme Court Proceedings

This extension occurred while the Supreme Court was considering Kejriwal’s protest against his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in the alcohol policy case. The judges suggested they might contemplate granting him temporary bail.

Kejriwal's Legal Custody Extended: Supreme Court Weighs In

The court recognized Kejriwal’s position as the elected Chief Minister of Delhi and noted the unusual nature of the situation due to the current parliamentary elections. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Enforcement Directorate, challenged the idea of discussing temporary bail for Kejriwal, questioning the message it sends about the importance of different individuals before the law.

Kejriwal's Legal Custody Extended: Court's Conditions for Bail

The Supreme Court has stated that if Kejriwal is granted temporary bail, it will be conditional and he will be required to abstain from his official duties to avoid any potential conflicts. The court has emphasized that it would not have granted any interim relief if not for the upcoming elections, and it is focused on preventing any disruption in government operations.

Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 by the agency responsible for combating financial crimes, under accusations related to Delhi’s alcohol policy, which his party contests. He remains in judicial custody at Tihar jail.

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