Delhi Court Extends Judicial Custody of Kejriwal, Kavitha, and Singh in Liquor Policy Case

The Delhi Rouse Avenue Court has extended the judicial custody of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K. Kavitha, and businessman Chanpreet Singh until May 7, 2024, in connection with a money laundering case related to the now-scrapped Delhi liquor excise policy for 2021-22. The court also extended Kavitha's judicial custody in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case linked to the same policy.

All three accused were produced before the court through a virtual conference from Tihar Jail. The court directed that necessary medical treatment be provided to Kejriwal and, if required, a medical board consisting of an endocrinologist and a diabetologist from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) should be consulted.

The money laundering case is being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), while the CBI is probing alleged irregularities in the formulation and implementation of the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22. The policy was withdrawn by the Delhi government last year after Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena recommended a CBI probe into alleged corruption and favoritism in its implementation.

Why this matters: The case has significant political implications, as it involves a sitting chief minister and a prominent opposition leader. The outcome of the investigations could have far-reaching consequences for the parties involved and may impact the political landscape in Delhi and beyond.

The court's decision to extend the judicial custody of the accused comes as the ED and CBI continue their investigations into the alleged irregularities in the liquor policy. The agencies are expected to present further evidence and arguments in the coming weeks, as they build their case against the accused. The development has drawn attention to the issue of corruption in the formulation and implementation of government policies, underlining the need for transparency and accountability in governance.

Key Takeaways

• Delhi court extends judicial custody of Kejriwal, Kavitha, and Singh till May 7, 2024.
• Case related to alleged irregularities in Delhi's 2021-22 liquor excise policy.
• ED investigating money laundering case, CBI probing policy formulation and implementation.
• Court orders medical treatment for Kejriwal and consultation with AIIMS specialists.
• Case has significant political implications, with potential impact on Delhi and national politics.