The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday denounced the comments made by the German Foreign Office Spokesperson regarding the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, deeming them as "most unwarranted" and a form of interference in the country's judicial proceedings.
The MEA summoned George Enzweiler, Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy, to express a strong protest against these remarks, emphasizing India's status as a "vibrant and robust democracy with rule of law."
"We see such remarks as interfering in our judicial process and undermining the independence of our judiciary," the MEA said in a statement.
"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," the statement added.
Highlighting the principle of judicial independence, the MEA reiterated that the legal process in India, as in any democratic nation, operates independently, and biased presumptions regarding ongoing cases are unjustified.
India's reaction was prompted by the statement from the German Foreign Office, which expressed awareness of Kejriwal's arrest and emphasized the expectation of adherence to judicial independence and democratic principles. Sebastian Fischer, spokesperson for the German Foreign Ministry, conveyed this stance, underlining Kejriwal's entitlement to a fair trial and presumption of innocence, essential elements of the rule of law.
"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 said in his ministry's website.
"Like anyone facing accusations, 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 [sic]," the statement said.
The Enforcement Directorate implicated Kejriwal as the central figure in an alleged excise scam, alleging collusion with other Delhi government ministers in formulating favorable policies. Consequently, a special court remanded Kejriwal to six days of ED custody until March 28.
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