Arvind Kejriwal Denied Bail, Remains in Jail as Petition is Rejected

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest was upheld by the court, making him the first sitting Chief Minister to be taken into custody. The court dismissed his plea and upheld earlier remand orders, which sent him to the ED’s custody and then to Delhi’s Tihar Jail till April 15.

The court also noted the ED’s submission of statements by approvers and an AAP Goa candidate claiming he had been paid with alleged kickbacks. The court sternly stated that doubting the grant of pardon to accused “amounts to casting aspersions on the judicial process” and emphasized that the law in question is over 100 years old, not a recent enactment to falsely implicate the petitioner.

The court also highlighted that Mr. Kejriwal would have an opportunity to inspect and question all relevant documents, but not at the present stage. The court noted the timing issues in the case and emphasized the importance of a “level playing field” as part of free and fair elections, which is essential in a democratic structure.

It was argued that the urgency of the arrest was meant to “demolish Aam Aadmi Party before the first vote is cast”, but the court clarified that political considerations cannot be brought before a court of law. The matter at hand is considered a case between Arvind Kejriwal and the ED, and the probe agency argued against his release, stating that he had been “uncooperative” and “evasive” during questioning.

Additionally, the court noted allegations that a significant amount of money was to be recovered by the AAP as bribes, which allegedly was used as poll expenses. Both Mr. Kejriwal and the AAP have consistently denied all allegations, claiming a political conspiracy against the Chief Minister.