Delhi Excise Case: SC questions ED on ‘Timing’ of kejriwal’s Arrest

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court raised questions regarding the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) timing of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest, just before the 2024 general elections. The bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta directed Additional Solicitor General SV Raju to address these concerns during the upcoming hearing on Friday.

Justice Khanna emphasized the importance of liberty, noting the pointed timing of Kejriwal’s arrest, and asked ASG Raju about the significant gap between the initiation of proceedings and Kejriwal’s arrest. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi represented Kejriwal during the proceedings, arguing for nearly two hours.

Kejriwal had approached the Supreme Court challenging his arrest and subsequent remand by the ED in the excise policy case. The apex court had previously instructed the central agency to submit its response to Kejriwal’s plea.

The background of the case includes Kejriwal’s appeal against a Delhi High Court judgment that upheld his arrest and remand by the ED. Kejriwal alleged that his arrest, following the announcement of the general elections, was influenced by external factors.

Earlier, on April 9, the Delhi High Court dismissed Kejriwal’s plea for release, rejecting claims of political vendetta and emphasizing his non-cooperation with ED summons over several months.

Kejriwal’s arrest by the ED on March 21 is part of a money laundering probe related to alleged irregularities in the Delhi excise policy for 2021-22, which has since been canceled.