The Delhi High Court’s dismissal of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s plea challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in the Excise policy case has prompted the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to seek recourse from the Supreme Court.
Expressing disagreement with the High Court’s ruling, AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj announced their intention to approach the Supreme Court against the decision.
Addressing the media, Bharadwaj highlighted the absence of recovered illegal funds in the Excise case, questioning the efficacy of the investigations. He emphasized that the case seemed more politically motivated than focused on genuine money laundering.
Furthermore, Bharadwaj alleged witness tampering and coercion, claiming that individuals were pressured to alter their statements to align with the ED’s narrative, citing specific instances documented in court records.
The High Court’s assertion that Kejriwal’s arrest and remand were lawful, without malice on the part of the ED, prompted criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi remarked that the ruling demonstrated the law’s impartiality, debunking AAP’s claims of preferential treatment.
Echoing Trivedi’s sentiments, BJP leader Bansuri Swaraj suggested Kejriwal’s resignation on moral grounds in light of the court’s decision and the allegations against him.
Continuing the BJP’s criticism, spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla emphasized the court’s indication of evidence implicating Kejriwal in corruption. Poonawalla questioned the ethicality of Kejriwal continuing to govern from Tihar Jail.
Contrarily, AAP MP Sanjay Singh expressed hope for justice from the Supreme Court, citing the complexities of legal proceedings and alleging a political conspiracy against Kejriwal and AAP.
In response, Advocate Rishikesh Kumar, representing Kejriwal, affirmed their intention to challenge the High Court’s decision in the Supreme Court, stressing the legality of the arrest as a pivotal aspect of their appeal.
Kejriwal’s arrest on March 21st by the Enforcement Directorate, relating to the excise policy case, has sparked a legal and political debate, with both AAP and BJP interpreting the court’s rulings to bolster their respective narratives.
