Arvind Kejriwal in ED Lock Up
Surrounded by discussions about his eligibility to serve as Chief Minister of Delhi from behind bars, Arvind Kejriwal today issued his first directive from the lock-up facility of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), according to sources.
According to the sources, the Chief Minister sent a note to Delhi minister Atishi, who oversees the portfolio, regarding the order pertaining to the water supply in the nation’s capital.
Mr. Kejriwal has been placed under remand in the central agency’s custody for a week after being detained by the ED on Thursday night in connection with a money laundering case involving Delhi’s now-canceled liquor policy. The leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has refuted the accusations made against him and charged that the central government, led by the BJP, is using investigative agencies for political ends.
Despite his arrest, Mr. Kejriwal will remain Chief Minister, according to the AAP. No law will prevent him, but prison regulations will make it extremely challenging.
An inmate at Delhi’s Tihar Jail is limited to two meetings per week, according to a former law enforcement official.
“Running a government from jail is not straightforward. The jail manual states that you can meet your family, friends, or associates only twice a week. So it will not be easy for him to govern with these restrictions,” Sunil Gupta has told media.
But there is one way out. If Mr. Kejriwal is able to get himself placed under house arrest, he will be able to continue serving as chief minister. But Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena’s consent would be needed for this.
“The Administrator has the authority to declare any building as a jail,” Mr Gupta said, drawing parallels with past instances where court complexes were designated as temporary jails. Such measures could help Mr Kejriwal continue to run the government from prison.
However, considering the history of confrontations between the AAP government and the nominee of the Centre, such an order from the Lieutenant Governor’s office appears improbable.
We’ve learned that the Union Home Ministry is looking into the implications of Mr. Kejriwal choosing not to step down. Given that he works for the government, legal experts said the Center might have to suspend him or remove him from his position. When a government official is arrested, the same process is followed. According to sources, they are immediately removed from service.
Mr. Kejriwal follows prominent AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, as well as Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader K Kavitha, as the fourth high-profile arrest in the liquor policy case.
Also Read: Kejriwal Challenges ‘Illegal’ Arrest In High Court Amid Pre-Election Turmoil
