“Biased assumptions made on this account are most unwarranted”: Indian Ministry of External Affairs Slams German Envoy's Comments on Kejriwal’s Arrest as "Interference"

India has officially protested against remarks made by the German envoy over the arrest of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the Delhi liquor policy case. As per reports the Ministry of External Affairs labeled the German envoy's comment as “blatant interference” in India’s internal affairs. “Biased assumptions made on this account are most unwarranted,” noted the Ministry of External Affairs.

"The German Deputy Chief of Mission in New Delhi was summoned today and conveyed India’s strong protest on their Foreign Office Spokesperson’s comments on our internal affairs. We see such remarks as interfering in our judicial process and undermining the independence of our judiciary,” said the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement. “India is a vibrant and robust democracy with the rule of law. As in all legal cases in the country, and elsewhere in the democratic world, law will take its own course in the instant matter. Biased assumptions made on this account are most unwarranted,” added the MEA.

George Enzweiler, the Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy, was summoned by the MEA to lodge an official protest. The protest from India comes shortly after the German Foreign Ministry expressed expectations for Kejriwal to receive a fair and impartial trial, citing India's democratic principles.

"We have taken note, India is a democratic country. We assume and expect that the standards relating to 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," said the spokesperson of the German Foreign Minister earlier on Saturday.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on Thursday in connection with the alleged excise policy scam. The AAP Chief’s arrest marks the first time that a serving Indian chief minister has been arrested. However, the Aam Admi Party has stated that Kejriwal will continue to retain his post.

A local court in Delhi on Friday remanded Kejriwal's custody with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) until March 28 to facilitate further questioning regarding his involvement in the purported Delhi excise policy scam.

The case revolves around alleged corruption and money laundering in the formulation and execution of the Delhi government's excise policy for 2021-22, which was subsequently revoked. AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh are currently in judicial custody in connection with the case, where Kejriwal's name has been repeatedly mentioned in the charge sheets filed by the ED, alleging collusion in formulating the excise policy.​