In the ongoing Delhi liquor scam case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed an application seeking the extension of judicial custody for Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi. The plea was made as Kejriwal’s current term in judicial custody, set to end today, coincides with his interim bail period ending on June 2, the day he is scheduled to surrender.
The court queried the ED on the necessity of extending Kejriwal’s judicial custody, noting that he is already on interim bail. Responding, the ED clarified that the request is relevant for the period post-surrender.
During the proceedings at the Rouse Avenue Court, questions were raised about the specifics of Kejriwal’s surrender—whether it should be in court or jail, particularly since June 2 falls on a Sunday. The ED suggested that regardless of the location, the judicial custody should commence from the day of surrender. The court decided to keep the application pending, leaving it to the duty magistrate to make a final decision on the day.
This judicial scrutiny follows a Supreme Court directive that granted Kejriwal interim bail until June 1, giving him ample time to prepare for the elections and ensuring that there were no restrictions on his campaign activities. However, Kejriwal must surrender by June 2.
Kejriwal was initially arrested by the ED on March 21 in connection with the Delhi liquor scam. Before his arrest, he was summoned nine times for questioning but did not appear. The central investigation agency has accused him of being a principal conspirator in the scam, allegedly involved directly in soliciting bribes from liquor businessmen.
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To date, the ED has arrested 18 individuals in connection with this case. While Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sanjay Singh has been granted bail, sources within the ED suggest that the agency might accuse Kejriwal of indirectly contributing to the crimes committed by AAP, given his role as the National Convenor and his active involvement in the party’s daily operations.
