Delhi excise policy case: Arvind Kejriwal’s judicial custody extended till April 23

The Delhi Court extended the judicial custody of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal until April 23 on Monday in the money laundering case linked to the scrapped liquor policy.

Kejriwal, arrested on March 21, appeared virtually before Special Judge Kaveri Baweja of the Rouse Avenue Courts as his previous judicial custody expired. The court cited the need to extend custody until April 23, aligning with the conclusion of co-accused BRS leader K Kavitha’s judicial custody.

Previously, AAP leader Kejriwal had approached the Supreme Court, contesting a Delhi High Court ruling that dismissed his plea against arrest by the ED and subsequent remand in the excise policy case. The High Court, on April 9, rejected his petition for release from jail, dismissing claims of political vendetta amidst the impending Lok Sabha elections. It emphasized Kejriwal’s non-cooperation with nine ED summons over six months, suggesting his arrest was a foreseeable consequence.

Challenging the High Court’s decision, Kejriwal’s appeal argued the absence of incriminating material in the possession of the Enforcement Directorate to justify guilt under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The appeal asserted that his arrest relied solely on subsequent, conflicting, and significantly delayed statements of co-accused turned approvers.

The ED arrested Kejriwal on March 21 in connection with a money laundering probe related to alleged irregularities in the now-defunct Delhi excise policy for 2021-22.