Friday, May 10

“Respect The Sovereignty”: India Reacts To US Remarks On Arvind Kejriwal’s Arrest

Edited by Fazal Rahman Chembulangad
India Reacts To US's Remark On Arvind Kejriwal's Arrest; Asks To Respect The Sovereignty

India today responded to the US State Department Spokespersons’ remark on the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest, and asked the US to be respectful of the sovereignty and internal affairs of the country. The country also summoned acting US Deputy Ambassador Gloria Berbena in connection with the comment.

The US State Department on Tuesday remarked that it is monitoring the reports of Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest and added that it has called on New Delhi to ensure a fair and timely legal process for the AAP leader. Reacting to the US comment, the statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs expressed its objection noting that the casting aspersions in “India’s judicial process is unwarranted.”

The statement highlighted that the states are expected to be respectful of the sovereignty and internal affairs of others. “This responsibility is even more so in the case of fellow democracies. It could otherwise end up setting unhealthy precedents. India’s legal processes are based on an independent judiciary which is committed to objective and timely outcomes. Casting aspersions on that is unwarranted,” the statement added.

 

The US had on March 15 raised its concern over India’s controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). India had rejected the US calling the remark as unwarranted.

Earlier, the German foreign ministry raised similar concerns on the Delhi Chief Minister’s arrest and stated,  “We have taken note, India is a democratic country. We assume and expect that the standards relating to the independence of the 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.” The spokesperson was responding to a question on Berlin’s stand on Mr Kejriwal’s arrest.

In response, India’s External Affairs Ministry had summoned German envoy George Enzweiler and registered its protest against the remark. India called the comment ‘biased and unwarranted.’ Mr Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 in the Delhi Excise Policy money laundering case.