Delhi HC to deliver verdict today on Delhi CM’s plea against arrest in excise policy case

Today, the Delhi High Court is scheduled to deliver its verdict on Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor Arvind Kejriwal’s challenge against his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the excise policy money laundering case. Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma has designated 2:30 pm as the time for the announcement of the verdict.

Arvind Kejriwal was given remand to the ED by the trial court despite his protests against his arrest. The bench postponed making a verdict on the issue last week after hearing thorough arguments from both sides.

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, argued that the case raises concerns regarding timing, suggesting that it could impede the petitioner’s involvement in the democratic process, potentially affecting his party, particularly in light of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, with the first phase of polling scheduled for April 19.

The ED refuted the plea, asserting that Kejriwal cannot seek “immunity” from arrest based on upcoming elections, as the law applies equally to him as it does to any ordinary citizen.

Furthermore, the ED alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) received a significant portion of funds from illegal activities related to the Delhi liquor scam. It claimed that approximately ₹45 crore of these funds were allegedly utilized in AAP’s electoral campaign during the Goa Assembly elections in 2022.

Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21 after the high court declined to provide him protection from coercive action by the federal anti-money laundering agency. Following the conclusion of his ED custody, he was placed in judicial custody on April 1 after appearing in the trial court.

The case centers around allegations of corruption and money laundering in the development and implementation of the Delhi government’s excise policy for 2021-22, which was subsequently revoked.