In a significant setback for the Chief Minister, the High Court upheld his arrest in the money-laundering case.
The Supreme Court on Monday will hear Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s plea against Delhi high court order affirming his arrest in a money-laundering case arising from the alleged excise policy scam.
As per the cause list posted on the apex court’s website, a bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta will deliberate on April 15 Kejriwal’s petition contesting the Delhi High Court’s April 9 ruling.
In a significant setback for the chief minister, the high court upheld his arrest in the money-laundering case, stating that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had “little option” after he repeatedly ignored summonses and declined to participate in the investigation.
The high court rejected the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader’s petition challenging his arrest by the ED and subsequent remand in the federal agency’s custody.
The case revolves around alleged corruption and money laundering in the formulation and implementation of the Delhi government’s excise policy for 2021-22, which was later annulled.
Kejriwal was apprehended by the ED on March 21, shortly after the high court declined to shield him from coercive action by the federal anti-money laundering agency.
He remains in judicial custody until April 15 and is presently confined in Tihar jail.
The Chief Minister has urgently sought intervention from the Supreme Court, asserting that the arrest of Kejriwal constitutes an egregious violation of his liberty.
Describing it as an unprecedented assault on the fundamental principles of democracy, the appeal highlights the significance of free and fair elections and federalism, both pillars of the Indian Constitution.
The petition contends that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has been exploited as a tool of oppression, targeting political adversaries and tarnishing their reputation under the guise of due process.
It implores the apex court to order Kejriwal’s immediate release, arguing that his continued detention sets a dangerous precedent for future elections.
The petition underscores the critical importance of upholding the core principles of the Constitution, warning that failure to do so could undermine the integrity of India’s democratic process.
It emphasizes the need for swift action to prevent further erosion of democratic norms and to safeguard the rights of political opponents against arbitrary and politically motivated arrests.
Ultimately, the petition calls on the Supreme Court to assert its authority and uphold the rule of law in defense of India’s democratic values.