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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RCB beat MI by 18 runs after batters fire
Mumbai (PTI): Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Rajat Patidar, Phil Salt and Virat Kohli blasted half-centuries as the defending champions beat Mumbai Indians by 18 runs in an Indian Premier League match here on Sunday.
Salt (78 off 36 balls) and Kohli (50 off 38 balls) stitched together a 120-run stand for the opening wicket before Patidar scored a rapid 53 off just 20 balls as RCB posted 240 for 4.
In response, Mumbai Indians were restricted to 222 for 5, with RCB spinner Suyash Sharma (2/47) putting the skids on the home side with a double strike in the eighth over, from which they could not recover.
Sherfane Rutherford top-scored for MI with an unbeaten 71 off 31 balls.
While opener Rohit Sharma appeared to be struggling with a hamstring issue and had to retire hurt on 19, his partner Ryan Rickelton made 37, while Suryakumar Yadav (33) and Hardik Pandya (40) were the other contributors for MI.
Brief scores:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru 240 for 4 in 20 overs (Phil Salt 78, Virat Kohli 50, Rajat Patidar 53, Tim David 35 not out).
Mumbai Indians: 222 for 5 in 20 overs (Sherfane Rutherford 71 not out, Ryan Rickelton 37, Hardik Pandya 40; Suyash Sharma 2/47).
