Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s judicial custody has been extended until 25th September
New Delhi – The judicial custody of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is under arrest in connection with the liquor policy scam case, has been extended until 25th September. During the hearing on 11th September, Kejriwal appeared via video conferencing.
In the same case, the court granted bail to AAP MLA Durgesh Pathak on a bond of Rs 1,00,000. Pathak appeared in court as summoned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) after a supplementary chargesheet was filed. The CBI had named Arvind Kejriwal, Durgesh Pathak, Vinod Chauhan, Ashish Mathur, and Sarath Reddy in the supplementary chargesheet submitted to the Rouse Avenue court. The court acknowledged the chargesheet on 3rd September and ordered all accused to appear and provide their statements by 11th September. After hearing the statements, the court extended Kejriwal’s judicial custody and granted bail to Pathak.
The CBI has identified Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as one of the key facilitators in the liquor policy scam. Earlier, on 30th July, the CBI filed its 4th supplementary chargesheet, which included Kejriwal as an accused. The agency alleges that Kejriwal played a central role in orchestrating the scam. On 23rd August, the CBI received permission from the Rouse Avenue court to prosecute him. Subsequently, on 7th September, the CBI submitted its 5th and final chargesheet in the case to the Rouse Avenue court.
Editorial PerspectiveFor the Chief Minister of a crucial Union Territory like Delhi to be in jail for nearly 6 months while still holding office is a gross travesty of democracy. There can be no greater failure of democracy than a Chief Minister being unavailable to address the problems of Delhiites. The Union government should dissolve the Delhi government and impose President’s Rule to restore effective governance. |