SC issues notice to ED on Kejriwal's plea against arrest
The Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate on an appeal filed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The plea challenges his arrest by the federal agency in a money laundering probe linked to the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy. Kejriwal moved the top court challenging a Delhi High Court judgment that dismissed his plea on April 9. The SC bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta has scheduled the next hearing for April 29.
Court orders response from ED by April 24
The Supreme Court has ordered the ED to respond to its notice by April 24. The court stated, "Issue notice. Returnable on April 24. Notice is accepted by the respondent who are presented in court on caveat. Reply to be filed on or before April 24 and rejoinder on or before April 27." Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, requested an earlier date but was informed that the next hearing would be held on April 29.
Kejriwal's arrest timing questioned in court
During the hearing, Singhvi questioned the timing of the Delhi CM's arrest. He said that Kejriwal—the face of the Aam Aadmi Party—was arrested to prevent him from campaigning ahead of the crucial Lok Sabha elections. The bench replied that they were aware of the facts and had examined all documents. They advised Singhvi not to argue further after they issued the notice.
Delhi HC dismissed Kejriwal's plea
Kejriwal was arrested on March 21, and is currently lodged in Tihar Jail under judicial custody, which is set to end today. The CM had moved the Delhi HC questioning his arrest's timing, implying it interfered with the 2024 polls and breached constitutional principles. The court, however, dismissed Kejriwal's objections to his arrest, ruling that the federal agency had no other option but to act after the CM failed to respond to multiple summonses in a money laundering investigation.
What did Delhi HC say
On April 9, the Delhi HC upheld Kejriwal's arrest and remand by the ED as "valid." Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma of the bench stated that there was sufficient evidence in the ED's possession which justified their action against Kejriwal. The ED, which has tagged Kejriwal as the "kingpin" of the alleged scam, had opposed his petition. It said, "Aam aadmi has to go behind bars if he has committed a crime...because you are a chief minister you can't be arrested?"
What is the Delhi excise policy case?
The case revolves around alleged irregularities and money laundering in the creation and execution of the excise policy 2021-22, which was later rescinded. The ED has alleged that the AAP is a significant beneficiary of the illicit funds generated from the "scam." It has also alleged that the money was funneled into the party's poll campaign for Goa and Punjab. Former Delhi Minister Manish Sisodia and Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader K Kavitha are currently incarcerated in relation to this case.
