Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s plea for interim relief following his arrest last week in connection with a liquor policy case was rejected by the Delhi High Court on Wednesday.
The court listened to a petition filed by Kejriwal challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in a money-laundering case associated with the liquor policy issue.
Kejriwal’s legal representatives urgently requested the release of the Chief Minister, who remains in Enforcement Directorate custody until March 28. They also sought an immediate hearing on the matter.
However, the Enforcement Directorate opposed an immediate hearing, requesting time to prepare a response to both the application and the writ petition. Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, representing the Enforcement Directorate, stated that they received a copy of the petition on Tuesday and needed time to provide a reply.
Emphasizing the importance of fair proceedings, the High Court stated, “While hearing and deciding a case, the court is duty-bound to hear both sides fairly, keeping in mind the principles of natural justice.”
The court deemed the Enforcement Directorate’s response as “essential and crucial” for making a decision in the case. Consequently, the Enforcement Directorate was directed to submit a reply by April 2.
The next hearing on the matter is scheduled for April 3, where further deliberations will take place regarding Kejriwal’s petition and the Enforcement Directorate’s response.
Comments