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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Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain sworn in as Bihar governor
Patna (PTI): Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain took oath as the governor of Bihar on Saturday.
Patna High Court Chief Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo administered the oath of office and secrecy to Hasnain at a ceremony at the Lok Bhavan.
Hasnain replaced Arif Mohammed Khan as the governor.
The ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, his cabinet colleagues and senior officers, among others.
Hasnain's last posting in uniform was as Military Secretary of the Indian Army, a key position responsible for senior-level personnel management. Prior to this, he commanded the Army's 15 Corps in Jammu & Kashmir.
Hasnain remained active in national and academic roles even after retirement. In 2018, he was appointed chancellor of the Central University of Kashmir.
In 2020, he joined the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) as a member.
VIDEO | Patna: Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain takes oath as Governor of Bihar.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 14, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7)#Patna #Bihar pic.twitter.com/gPIsBM33is
