Delhi High Court Allows Arvind Kejriwal Extra Legal Meetings in Jail
New Delhi, July 25: The Delhi High Court has granted Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal permission to have two additional legal meetings with his lawyers through video conferencing from Tihar Jail. Kejriwal is currently in judicial custody due to the Delhi Excise policy case.
Justice Neena Bansal Krishna’s Decision
Justice Neena Bansal Krishna approved the petition, emphasizing the importance of a fair trial and effective legal representation. She noted that similar relief had been granted to co-accused Sanjay Singh and that the opposition’s arguments lacked merit.
Jail Policy and Fundamental Rights
The court acknowledged the jail policy but stressed that balancing this policy with the fundamental rights of inmates is crucial. The request for additional legal meetings was deemed reasonable given the numerous cases pending against Kejriwal.
Previous Court Decisions
On July 1, a special judge had dismissed Kejriwal’s request for additional legal meetings, stating that no new grounds were presented. However, the High Court’s recent decision overrides this, allowing Kejriwal the extra meetings he sought.
Arguments from Both Sides
Senior advocate Ramesh Gupta, representing Kejriwal, argued that there was no harm in granting the additional meetings. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Jail Authorities opposed the plea, stating that jail rules do not permit extra meetings and that all inmates are treated equally.
Kejriwal is facing around 30 litigations across the country and has been arrested in another case by the CBI. The additional meetings are intended to help him discuss these cases with his lawyers.
Doubts Revealed
Delhi High Court -: The Delhi High Court is a big building where judges work. They make important decisions about laws and people’s rights in Delhi, which is the capital city of India.
Arvind Kejriwal -: Arvind Kejriwal is the Chief Minister of Delhi. He is like the head of the government in Delhi, making important decisions for the city.
Legal Meetings -: Legal meetings are times when someone talks to their lawyer. Lawyers help people understand the law and defend them in court.
Video Conferencing -: Video conferencing is like a video call. It allows people to see and talk to each other on a screen, even if they are far away.
Tihar Jail -: Tihar Jail is a big prison in Delhi. It’s a place where people who have broken the law are kept.
Delhi Excise policy case -: The Delhi Excise policy case is about rules for selling alcohol in Delhi. Some people think these rules were not followed properly, and that’s why there is a case.
Justice Neena Bansal Krishna -: Justice Neena Bansal Krishna is a judge in the Delhi High Court. Judges make sure that laws are followed and that people get fair treatment.
Fair trial rights -: Fair trial rights mean that everyone should get a chance to defend themselves in court. It’s about making sure the trial is just and unbiased.
Co-accused Sanjay Singh -: Sanjay Singh is another person involved in the same case as Arvind Kejriwal. ‘Co-accused’ means they are both being accused of something together.
Fundamental rights -: Fundamental rights are basic rights that everyone should have, like the right to speak freely and the right to be treated fairly.