Remarks on Delhi CM: India summons US diplomat
Delhi HC to hear on April 3 Kejriwal’s plea against his arrest
India yesterday summoned a top United States diplomat after Washington said it was "closely watching" events following the jailing of a senior opposition leader weeks ahead of parliamentary elections.
The US State Department had urged India to ensure a "fair, transparent, and timely legal process" for Arvind Kejriwal, chief minister of the capital Delhi, who was arrested last week in connection with a long-running corruption probe.
"We take strong objection to the remarks," India's foreign ministry said in a statement. "In diplomacy, states are expected to be respectful of the sovereignty and internal affairs of others".
Local broadcasters showed the senior US diplomat Gloria Berbena entering India's foreign ministry. There was no immediate response from the US embassy, reports AFP.
Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court yesterday refused to grant any relief to Kejriwal, who had filed a plea against his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the corruption case.
The court granted ED seven days to respond and fixed April 3 as the next date for hearing, reports TOI online.
Kejriwal's government is accused of receiving kickbacks while handing out liquor licenses to private companies.
He has denied the charges, and supporters say his arrest is meant to sideline challengers to Modi before next month's election -- accusations the foreign ministry rejected.
"India's legal processes are based on an independent judiciary which is committed to objective and timely outcomes," the ministry added.
Last week, Germany raised its concerns about the arrest of Kejriwal. The foreign ministry said it had also summoned Germany's deputy ambassador on Saturday.