ED can't object if Arvind Kejriwal seeks relief in Tihar jail: Delhi court

Delhi’s Rouse Avenue court on Friday told the Enforcement Directorate (ED) that it cannot object to the requests of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal related to his medical checkup in Tihar jail.

"Accused (Arvind Kejriwal) is in judicial custody and not your custody. You have no role if they want some convenience," the Delhi court said.

Arvind Kejriwal is lodged in Tihar jail after being arrested in a money laundering case linked to the Delhi liquor policy case.

The court sought Tihar Jail’s superintendent’s response to an application filed by Arvind Kejriwal seeking directions to allow his wife to be virtually present during the consultation of the medical board constituted for him post court’s orders.

A day’s time has been granted by the vacation bench presided over by Judge Mukesh Kumar, to the superintendent concerned to reply to the application.

During the hearing when the Enforcement Directorate’s counsel sought time to reply to Kejriwal’s application, the court remarked that ED has no role if Kejriwal, who’s the accused in the case, wants some convenience.

"Your reply is not required," the court added.

The court posted Kejriwal’s bail pleas for hearing on June 19 and 22. The matter was adjourned after the Enforcement Directorate sought time to file a reply in the matter.

"Application has been moved by the accused seeking directions to allow his wife to join the medical board. Before passing any order, I deem it appropriate to call for a reply from the jail superintendent concerned. The application be kept for tomorrow," the judge said.

"I will consider his convenience, not yours (ED)," the judge said while discussing what date his bail pleas should be listed.

The court on June 5 dismissed Kejriwal's application seeking interim bail in the case on medical grounds. The judge, however, had directed the Tihar jail authorities to take care of Kejriwal's medical needs while in judicial custody. He had also extended Kejriwal's judicial custody till June 19.

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