We encourage fair, transparent legal process for CM Kejriwal: US State Department
New Delhi: Amid Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's continued detention by the Enforcement Directorate, the United States commented on Monday, March 25, urging for a "fair, transparent, and timely legal process" for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, as reported by Reuters.
In response to an emailed query, a State Department spokesperson emphasized the importance of ensuring a fair legal process for Chief Minister Kejriwal, according to the news report.
Regarding India's objection to Germany's statement on the arrest, the spokesperson suggested referring to the German Foreign Ministry for further comments on their discussions with the Indian government.
On March 22, Sebastian Fischer, a spokesperson for Germany’s foreign ministry, had acknowledged the case involving Kejriwal, stating, "We have taken note of the case. India is a democratic country. We assume and expect that the standards relating to the independence of the judiciary and fundamental democratic principles will also apply in this case."
Fischer emphasized Kejriwal's right to a fair trial, including the utilization of all legal remedies without restriction, highlighting the importance of the presumption of innocence in the rule of law.
Responding to Germany's remarks, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned the German deputy chief of mission in New Delhi on March 23. The MEA expressed India's strong protest against the comments made by the German Foreign Office Spokesperson, perceiving them as interference in India's judicial process and undermining the independence of the judiciary.
Notably, Kejriwal's arrest marks the second instance of a sitting chief minister being detained in less than two months. His detention coincided with accusations by the Congress's top leadership, alleging the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of financially weakening the party ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections by freezing its bank accounts.
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Attacks on Christians contradict PM's message of harmony, visit to church: Gehlot
Jaipur (PTI): Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday expressed concern over the reported attacks and disruptions in prayer gatherings of the Christian community in different parts of the country, saying such incidents were "worrying and condemnable".
In a post on X, Gehlot said that while the Prime Minister Narendra Modi was visiting a church and giving a message of peace and harmony, news of attacks on members of the Christian community from various regions reflected a serious contradiction.
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"Symbolic gestures would not be enough, and strict legal action was required against those spreading hatred," the senior Congress leader said.
He added that Indian culture has always upheld the spirit of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam", where every citizen has full freedom to practise their faith.
Gehlot urged the Centre and state governments to uphold the rule of law and ensure that no citizen is forced to celebrate their festival under fear.
