Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal has approached the Delhi High Court, challenging his arrest linked to an excise policy case by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The Chief Minister’s arrest followed a trial court’s order, placing him in ED’s custody until March 28 for “his detailed and sustained interrogation”.
NEW DELHI: On Saturday Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal has approached the Delhi High Court, challenging his arrest linked to an excise policy case by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). This plea arises amidst the backdrop of the upcoming general elections of 2024, marking a significant episode in Indian politics.
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Mr. Kejriwal, whose plea is set for a delayed hearing due to the Holi break, requested an urgent court session.
“The petitioner is a chief minister and therefore, seeks an urgent hearing from the court,”
sources reported. The urgency is underlined by the plea, which states,
“It is requested that the matter be listed on March 24 since the custody of a constitutional functionary by an agency of the central government is challenged. The present writ petition also raises an issue of liberty and exercise of arbitrary powers by a central agency in a federal set up in the midst of the general election 2024.”
An urgent hearing for the plea is improbable, as per reliable sources within the court. Due to the closure of the court for Holi on Monday and Tuesday, it is unlikely to be scheduled before March 27th.
The Chief Minister’s arrest followed a trial court’s order, placing him in ED’s custody until March 28 for “his detailed and sustained interrogation”. This development comes after Mr. Kejriwal reportedly evaded nine summonses from December 2023 to March 2024, related to the controversial 2021-22 Delhi excise policy case. This case has also ensnared other prominent AAP figures, adding layers to the political drama.
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The ED has labeled Mr. Kejriwal as the principal figure in the alleged scam, accusing him of direct involvement in policy creation and mismanagement of substantial illicit funds, speculated to exceed ₹600 crore. Despite these charges, the High Court recently declined interim relief to Kejriwal against the ED’s actions, which promptly led to his arrest.
As per the Enforcement Directorate, the scheme was allegedly coordinated “in collaboration with Ministers of the Delhi government, AAP leaders, and other individuals.” The agency leveled accusations against Kejriwal and his associates, asserting that they devised a defunct excise policy that purportedly provided undue advantages to specific individuals and entailed solicitation for illicit payments.
Amidst these legal and political battles, Mr. Kejriwal remains optimistic about his release and continued service to the nation. In a heartfelt message conveyed by his wife Sunita Kejriwal, he stated,
“I have struggled a lot till today and there are many struggles written in my life ahead.”
He further expressed his commitment to India’s prosperity and urged unity against forces undermining the country.
Furthermore, addressing Delhi’s women, Mr. Kejriwal reassured them of his impending release, affirming his commitment to fulfilling electoral promises, including the notable scheme of providing ₹1,000 monthly to women over 18.
“Trust me, I will come out soon and will fulfil my promise,”
he asserted, reflecting his unyielded spirit amid challenges.
As this political saga unfolds, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on the developments, anticipating the impact on the forthcoming elections and the broader narrative of Indian democracy.
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