The Delhi High Court on Wednesday reserved its verdict on a petition filed by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money-laundering case linked to an alleged excise policy ‘scam’ case.
“I am going to reserve judgment,” said Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma after hearing arguments from senior counsel representing Kejriwal and the agency.
Kejriwal, AAP national convener, who was arrested by the ED on March 21, questioned the “timing” of his arrest, alleging it was in contravention of the basic structure of the Constitution, including principles of free and fair elections and a level playing field.
Currently in judicial custody, Kejriwal was represented by senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi.
Opposing the petition, the agency, represented by Additional Solicitor General S V Raju, argued that the offence of money laundering was prima facie evident in the case and that the investigation was still in its early stages.
Raju also dismissed allegations of bias against the ED, emphasizing that their actions were evidence-based, with a focus on apprehending individuals involved in criminal activities.
The ED’s senior counsel clarified that the petition challenged only the first remand order, which extended Kejriwal’s custody until March 28, and not subsequent orders.
Kejriwal’s arrest followed the high court’s rejection of his plea for protection from coercive action by the federal anti-money laundering agency.
The case revolves around alleged corruption and money laundering in the formulation and execution of the Delhi government’s excise policy for 2021-22, which was later scrapped.
Kejriwal was remanded to judicial custody on April 1, following the conclusion of his ED custody.
On March 27, the court declined to grant interim relief to Kejriwal, highlighting the complexity of the matter and directing the ED to file its response to the challenge against his arrest and subsequent remand.
The case underscores the legal and political ramifications surrounding Kejriwal’s arrest and the ongoing investigation.