National Desk, 15th April: The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s petition challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) today, adding intrigue to the political landscape less than seven weeks before the Lok Sabha polls in Delhi. Kejriwal’s arrest on March 21, connected to a money laundering case linked to Delhi’s now-defunct liquor policy, has sparked controversy and legal battles.
The recent rejection of Kejriwal’s plea for relief by the Delhi High Court, citing evidence provided by the central probe agency implicating his alleged involvement in formulating the policy and seeking kickbacks of Rs 100 crore, has intensified the legal saga. Promptly, Kejriwal sought recourse from the Supreme Court, but faced delays due to court closures for Eid and the weekend.
In his appeal against the high court ruling, Kejriwal contends that his arrest, strategically timed amid election announcements, is influenced by external factors. He argues that the arrest of a sitting Chief Minister during an election period undermines democratic principles, particularly the concepts of free and fair elections and federalism.
Kejriwal’s arrest is part of a wider investigation, with him becoming the third senior AAP leader apprehended in the case. Former Deputy Manish Sisodia and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh faced previous arrests, with Singh currently out on bail.
The ED’s inquiry originates from a 2022 CBI case concerning alleged irregularities in the excise policy, prompted by a complaint from Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena. Accusations suggest AAP leaders conspired to manipulate the liquor policy to benefit specific licensees, leading to its withdrawal nine months after implementation amidst corruption allegations and political turbulence.
AAP vehemently denies the allegations, asserting that no illicit funds were discovered during ED’s raids. Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj dismisses the claims as a political scheme, highlighting alleged pressure on witnesses to alter statements in favor of the ED’s narrative.
Read More: Eastern Nagaland Public Emergency Garners Support Amidst Electoral Abstention Controversy