New Delhi, May 21 – Former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal was on Wednesday sent to judicial custody for two days after he refused to furnish a bail bond in a defamation case filed against him by BJP leader Nitin Gadkari.
The AAP leader has been sent to Tihar Jail till May 23, the next date of the court hearing. Reportedly, he will stay in cell number 4 in Tihar jail.
Kejriwal had told the court that he would not furnish a bail bond in the case as it is of a political nature.
“I am fighting against corruption. I will not seek bail as I have not done anything wrong,” he had told metropolitan magistrate Gomati Manocha.
Kejriwal was summoned by the court for describing Gadkari as a “corrupt” person.
The anti-graft crusader’s counsel told the court that in earlier defamation cases against him, Kejriwal was granted bail on the undertaking that he would appear before the court at every hearing.
The counsel added that Kejriwal would not flee from justice.
“I completely agree but what is the problem with furnishing bail bond,” the court said. it added that furnishing a bail bond is a process of law and told Kejriwal that he was seeking different treatment.
Kejriwal responded by saying that it was a case of a political nature and he would not furnish a bail bond.
“You are representing the Aam Aadmi Party. I request you to behave as aam aadmi (common man),” the court said.
Bharatiya Janata Party leader Gadkari’s lawyer opposed Kejriwal’s plea.
Many AAP leaders came in defence of their leader.
Somnath Bharti said, @attorneybharti: In past in all cases @ArvindKejriwal refused to give personal bond or security but was never arrested n was allowed. Mayank Gandhi said, @mayankgandhi04: Gadkari of driver and peon directorship fame not asked to furnish bond.Wah re justice!!
