Delhi HC verdict on Kejriwal's plea against arrest likely today
The Delhi High Court is set to deliver a verdict on an appeal filed by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the money laundering case linked to now-scrapped excise policy. The judgment will be pronounced by Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma at 2:30 pm on Tuesday, as per the high court's website. The Delhi CM is currently in judicial remand in Tihar Jail until April 15.
Why does this story matter?
Days after his arrest by the ED on March 21, Kejriwal moved the Delhi High Court seeking his release, claiming that his arrest was illegal. According to the ED, he was arrested after his name appeared several times on the chargesheet filed by the agency. However, Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has dismissed the charges against him, calling the arrest a conspiracy by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to cripple the opposition ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
No evidence found to support summons: Singhvi
During the hearing last week, Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, argued that the timing of the arrest was strategically planned so that Kejriwal would be unable to participate in the electoral process. He also highlighted that between October 30, 2023 (the date of first summons) and March 16 (the date of the 9th summons), the ED found no evidence to support Section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Section 50 deals with the power to issue summons.
ED refutes Kejriwal's claims of unfair detention
The ED has countered Kejriwal's allegations, stating that he cannot seek exemption from arrest based on the upcoming elections. The agency said that the law does not differentiate between him and an "aam aadmi." Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21 after the high court denied him protection from coercive action by this federal anti-money laundering agency. The Rouse Avenue Court is also expected to rule on Kejriwal's request for additional time to consult with his legal team.
Allegations against Kejriwal in excise policy scam
The ED has labeled Kejriwal a "mastermind behind the liquor policy scam" and a "principal conspirator" in the excise policy case. It alleged that Kejriwal, along with other AAP leaders and ministers, played a direct role in formulating this policy favoring a group known as "South Group." The agency further alleges that AAP was the primary beneficiary of the illicit proceeds generated from the purported Delhi liquor scam.
Leadership crisis ahead of polls?
The arrest of Kejriwal—the face of the AAP—comes just days ahead of the general elections. The AAP, aiming to widen its influence, has allied with the Congress to contest against the BJP in Delhi, Haryana and Gujarat. With other senior leaders like Satyendar Jain and Manish Sisodia in jail, the party is grappling with a leadership vacuum. Notably, another senior party leader, Sanjay Singh, was released on bail last week in the excise policy scam.
