Delhi High Court to Deliver Verdict on Arvind Kejriwal’s Arrest Challenge
The Delhi High Court is set to announce its decision on Tuesday at 2:30 pm regarding Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s appeal against his arrest and detention by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the Delhi excise policy case.
Kejriwal has raised concerns about the timing of his arrest by the central agency, claiming it violates fundamental principles of the Constitution, such as democracy, free and fair elections, and ensuring a level playing field.
In response, the ED has argued against Kejriwal’s plea, stating that he cannot claim “immunity” from arrest simply because of upcoming elections. They maintain that the law applies equally to him as it does to any ordinary citizen.
The leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was apprehended by the ED on March 21 after the high court declined to shield him from coercive measures by the federal anti-money laundering agency.
Subsequently, on April 1, he was remanded to judicial custody in connection with the case after being presented in the trial court following the expiration of his ED custody.
The case revolves around allegations of corruption and money laundering in the formulation and implementation of the Delhi government’s excise policy for the year 2021-22, which was subsequently revoked.
During the recent court proceedings, the ED rejected Kejriwal’s assertion linking his arrest to the upcoming general elections.
The additional solicitor general SV Raju, representing the ED, argued in court against Kejriwal’s stance, stating, “Criminals and under-trials have no business to say that we will commit a crime and will not be arrested because elections are here.”
He further emphasized, “It will give license to criminals to roam around freely. Aam aadmi has to go behind bars if he has committed a crime but because you are a chief minister you can’t be arrested?”
The ED counsel reiterated the seriousness of the allegations, asserting, “Howsoever you make hue & cry today but it is clear that there was a scam and exchequer along with public have been deprived of the money.”
The decision of the Delhi High Court is eagerly awaited and will have significant implications for Kejriwal and the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the excise policy case.
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