Double Setback For Kejriwal In Liquor Policy Case: Delhi Court Extends Judicial Custody Till 23 April; No Interim Relief From SC

Hours after extending Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha's judicial custody till 23 April, Delhi's Rouse Avenue court extended Arvind Kejriwal's custody till the same date in the liquor policy case.

The court of Special Judge Kaveri Baweja noted that since the custody of co-accused Kavitha is also ending on 23 April, the same is being extended for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener.

Kejriwal was arrested on 21 March by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). His challenge to the arrest was dismissed by the Delhi High Court last week as the court noted there was "enough material" against him.

The Delhi Chief Minister then moved the Supreme Court against this order. The apex court today (15 April) sought ED's response and gave the investigative agency time till 24 April to file its response.

The rejoinder can be filed by 27 April and the matter will be heard by the top court on 29 April. This means Kejriwal will have to stay in Tihar jail till the next hearing by Rouse Avenue Court on 23 April.

Kejriwal is accused of being at the helm when the liquor policy was manipulated to generate illicit profits and the proceeds of the crime were used to finance the AAP’s electoral activities in Goa.