No interim relief to Kejriwal in SC

The Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on a plea filed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal seeking to quash his arrest in a money-laundering case related to the alleged excise policy scam. The court, comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta, did not provide interim relief and scheduled the case for hearing during the week of April 29, 2024, citing it as the earliest available date.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and ASG SV Raju, representing the ED, agreed to submit a reply by April 24. Kejriwal will file a rejoinder by April 26.

Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, alleged that the timing of the arrest was orchestrated to hinder Kejriwal’s participation in the Lok Sabha polls.

Government Counsel Solicitor General Tushar Mehta contested the Singhvi’s claim.

Singhvi argued for an expedited hearing, citing the significance of the matter, while Justice Khanna emphasized the court’s decision to provide an early hearing date. However, Singhvi persisted, pointing out the extensive legal history of the case and requesting an earlier hearing.

The court refused Singhvi’s plea, maintaining that April 29 was the earliest feasible date for the hearing. Notice was duly accepted on behalf of the ED, and agreeing to the filing deadlines.

Previously, the Delhi High Court had upheld Kejriwal’s arrest, stating that there was substantial evidence, including witness statements and allegations of cash transactions during the Goa elections. The case revolves around alleged corruption and money laundering in the formulation and execution of Delhi’s excise policy for 2021-22, leading to Kejriwal’s arrest on March 21. He is currently in judicial custody at Tihar Jail until April 15.