SC reserves judgement on CM’s plea challenging arrest by ED

The Supreme Court has reserved its judgment on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s plea challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case linked to the alleged excise scam. The bench, comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta, heard arguments from senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi and Solicitor General of India (SG) Tushar Mehta, as well as Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, representing Kejriwal and the Enforcement Directorate, respectively.

In its order, the bench stated, “Arguments heard. Judgment reserved. The appellant (Arvind Kejriwal) can move the trial court for grant of bail in accordance with law.”

Kejriwal was apprehended on March 21 in connection with the case. However, on May 10, the apex court granted him interim bail until June 1 in the money laundering case associated with the alleged Delhi excise policy scam. Despite the bail, he is required to surrender on June 2. The court imposed restrictions, prohibiting him from accessing his office or the Delhi Secretariat, and from signing official documents without the lieutenant governor’s approval unless deemed absolutely necessary.

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 has since been annulled.