India summons German diplomat to MEA, protests Germany’s comments on Kejriwal’s arrest

The Ministry of External Affairs called Germany’s statements a “blatant interference in India’s internal matters.”

Why did the Ministry of External Affairs summon George Enzweiler?

After the meeting, that happened in the South Block, MEA posted an official statement on social media platform X, stating, “We see such remarks as interfering in our judicial process and undermining the independence of our judiciary.”

“India is a vibrant and robust democracy with rule of law. As in all legal cases in the country, and elsewhere in the democratic world, law will take its own course in the instant matter. Biased assumptions made on this account are most unwarranted,” the statement read.

The German Foreign Ministry had earlier stated that it expects Kejriwal to receive a fair and impartial trial. A spokesperson of the German Foreign Ministry said, “We have taken note, India is a democratic country. We assume and expect that the standards relating to independence of Judiciary and basic democratic principles will also be applied in this case.”

“Like anyone facing accusations, Mr Kejriwal is entitled to a fair and impartial trial, this includes he can make use of all available legal avenues without restrictions. The presumption of innocence is a central element of the rule of law and must apply to him,” he added.

Why was Arvind Kejriwal arrested by the Enforcement Directorate?

Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam case. The case involves accusations of corruption and money laundering related to the formulation and execution of the Delhi government’s excise policy for 2021-22, which was subsequently revoked.

Following his arrest, Kejriwal was remanded in Enforcement Directorate custody until March 28 for further interrogation regarding his alleged involvement in the excise policy scandal.