Delhi Liquor Policy Case: CM Arvind Kejriwal's Judicial Custody Extended Till July 3 In Money Laundering Matter

Delhi Liquor Policy Case: CM Arvind Kejriwal's judicial custody has been extended till July 3 in a money laundering case while the hearing on his bail plea is ongoing.

File Photo of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal ( Image Source :PTI )

Delhi Liquor Policy Case: A Delhi court has extended Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's judicial custody till July 3 in connection with a money laundering case related to the alleged excise policy scam. Vacation Judge Nyay Bindu passed the order on Wednesday while continuing to hear arguments on Kejriwal's bail plea. The Chief Minister, who has been in judicial custody since June 2, had his interim bail plea dismissed by Special Judge Kaveri Baweja earlier this month. The interim bail was sought on medical grounds, citing Kejriwal's aggravated diabetes and other health issues.

According to news agency IANS, Kejriwal's defence, led by senior advocate N. Hariharan, argued the necessity of interim bail due to his health condition. "The interim bail plea was necessitated due to his aggravated diabetes and other health issues," said Hariharan. However, the court maintained its stance, citing directions for specific diagnostic tests for Kejriwal, who appeared via video conference from Tihar Jail.

Additionally, Judge Bindu is considering Kejriwal's application to allow his wife, Sunita Kejriwal, to join his medical check-up via video conferencing. The CM has also sought that they be permitted to provide their input when the medical board sits for the check-up, IANS reported.

'We Have Proof Of PMLA Offence Against Arvind Kejriwal': ED Counsel

The Enforcement Directorate (ED), represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju, opposed the bail plea, arguing that it was not maintainable and criticised Kejriwal's conduct. They cited the misuse of interim bail for election campaigning as a key issue.

On Delhi CM Kejriwal's bail plea hearing, ASG SV Raju told news agency ANI, "We have proof against Arvind Kejriwal that he has done an offence in the PMLA. We do not just have statements of the approver, we also have statements of the witnesses, documented evidence, and enough material to form an offence against him... The witness says he has demanded Rs 100 crores as bribe..."

#WATCH | Delhi: On Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's bail plea hearing, ASG SV Raju says, "We have proof against Arvind Kejriwal that he has done an offence in the PMLA. We do not just have statements of the approver, we also have statements of the witnesses, documented evidence and… pic.twitter.com/aBSpfl53Sq

— ANI (@ANI) June 19, 2024

Kejriwal surrendered before Tihar Jail authorities on June 2, following the expiration of his interim bail granted by the Supreme Court, which ended on June 1.