Supreme Court to hear Kejriwal's plea against arrest on Monday
The Supreme Court of India is scheduled to hear Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's plea against his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday. The apex court had refused to hear his plea on Wednesday. The appeal challenges a high court ruling that upheld his arrest in a money laundering case linked to the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy. The hearing will be presided over by Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta, according to the apex court's website.
Why does this story matter?
The Delhi High Court dismissed Kejriwal's plea against his arrest on April 9, ruling that the ED had no other option but to act after the CM failed to respond to multiple summonses in the money laundering investigation. The ED has accused Kejriwal of playing a significant role in both utilizing and hiding alleged illicit funds generated through the excise policy "scam." Notably, on March 21, Kejriwal became the first sitting CM to be arrested by a law enforcement agency.
High Court upholds Kejriwal's detention in money laundering case
The 103-page judgment by Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma observed that the evidence presented to the court demonstrated that Kejriwal had allegedly conspired with others. He was also involved in the formulation of the policy. "He is allegedly involved in the offense of money laundering in two capacities. Firstly, in his personal capacity as he was involved in the formulation of the excise policy and in demanding kickbacks. Secondly, in his capacity as...convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party," the court said.
Kejriwal faces charges related to excise policy scam
Kejriwal had approached the high court on March 23, arguing that the ED's action violated his fundamental rights and was politically motivated. However, the high court upheld Kejriwal's arrest and remand by the ED as "valid." The ED took Kejriwal into custody on March 21, just hours after the high court denied him protection from coercive action by the federal anti-money laundering agency. Kejriwal will remain in judicial custody until April 15.
What is the 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 scrapped. 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.
