Arvind Kejriwal Challenges Arrest in High Court, Questions Delay Tactics

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has taken legal action against his recent arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case linked to the now-defunct liquor policy. Senior Advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, raised concerns over the agency’s alleged delaying tactics during a hearing before Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma in the Delhi High Court.

The matter was brought before the bench after Singhvi questioned the ED’s request for three weeks to file a detailed reply to Kejriwal’s petition, citing the agency’s recent receipt of the document. Singhvi emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting that Kejriwal had been in custody since March 23 and stressing the need for a prompt resolution.

Responding to Singhvi’s assertions, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, representing the ED, acknowledged the agency’s receipt of Kejriwal’s petition and requested time to prepare a comprehensive response. However, Singhvi pressed for an immediate decision, particularly regarding the basis of Kejriwal’s remand, which is set to expire soon.

Singhvi argued against further delay, urging the court to address the fundamental issues raised by Kejriwal’s challenge to his remand without awaiting a formal reply from the ED. Despite the ED’s request for additional time, Singhvi emphasized the urgency of the matter and called for an expedited hearing.

In response, Justice Sharma indicated that she would review the matter and schedule a hearing later in the day after addressing other matters on the court’s docket. This decision reflects the court’s commitment to a fair and timely resolution of Kejriwal’s legal challenge.

Kejriwal’s arrest came shortly after he approached the Supreme Court seeking relief, a petition that was later withdrawn with plans to contest the remand proceedings before the trial court. The ED’s case is based on allegations of irregularities in the liquor policy, initially flagged by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in 2022.

The opposition has denounced the arrests of Kejriwal and other AAP leaders, dismissing the allegations as politically motivated and criticizing the timing of the arrests amidst upcoming elections. The AAP has maintained that Kejriwal will continue to serve as Chief Minister, despite being in ED custody, assuring residents of his ongoing commitment to their welfare.