Delhi HC Reserves Order on Arvind Kejriwal’s Plea in Excise Case

The Delhi High Court has reserved its order on a plea filed by Arvind Kejriwal challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the Excise Policy money laundering case. The court heard arguments at length and reserved the order on the petition challenging Kejriwal’s arrest and the ED remand granted by the trial court.

Arvind Kejriwal’s counsel argued that the timing of his arrest raises concerns about democracy and a level playing field in elections. They contended that the arrest lacked a necessary assessment and was intended to humiliate and disable Kejriwal. The ED, on the other hand, opposed Kejriwal’s plea, stating that investigations are still ongoing, and his arrest was lawful.

The ED filed a reply opposing Kejriwal’s plea, asserting that he had intentionally disobeyed the summons for investigation and that his arrest was carried out in adherence to the law. The agency also alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) benefited from the proceeds of the crime and accused Kejriwal of involvement in the alleged liquor scam.

Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21 in connection with the excise policy case. The trial court subsequently sent him to judicial custody till April 15. The case pertains to alleged irregularities and money laundering in the Delhi Excise Policy 2022. While Kejriwal was not initially named in the FIRs, the ED’s chargesheet implicated him, alleging his involvement in communication with co-accused.