Delhi High Court Sets April 2 for ED’s Response in Kejriwal’s Bail Plea Amidst Excise Policy Controversy. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s legal battle continues as he remains in custody following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21. The arrest is linked to allegations surrounding the Delhi Excise Policy for the fiscal year 2021-22.
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday (March 27) has decided not to grant interim relief to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is currently embroiled in a money-laundering case related to the alleged excise policy scam. The court has scheduled the next hearing for April 3, leaving the AAP leader in custody until further proceedings.
The Chief Minister’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, argued for his immediate release, claiming that his arrest and subsequent remand by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) were “illegal.” However, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, overseeing the case, has decided to postpone the order until the evening, maintaining the status quo.
AAP’s Response and Public Protests:
The arrest of Kejriwal on March 21 has sparked significant unrest among AAP supporters, leading to protests and marches towards the prime minister’s residence, which were countered by BJP-led demonstrations demanding Kejriwal’s resignation. Amidst this political turmoil, Kejriwal, even from ED custody, issued directives to address the shortage of medicines and diagnostic tests in the city’s healthcare facilities.
The ED’s case against Kejriwal involves allegations of soliciting kickbacks from liquor traders in return for favorable treatment under the now-scrapped excise policy. Labeling him as the “kingpin and key conspirator,” the ED has also implicated other top AAP leaders, intensifying the scrutiny on the party.
BJP leader Shazia Ilmi responded to comments made by Kejriwal’s wife, Sunita, questioning why Kejriwal had not revealed any “sensational material” he had against the allegations sooner, especially when other AAP members like Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh were also facing legal challenges.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma emphasized the importance of due process and the necessity for the ED to respond before any decision on Kejriwal’s release could be made, stating,
“The writ jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution of India is not a ready substitute for recourse to the remedy of bail under Section 439 of the Cr.P.C. ordinarily.”
The court has given the ED until April 2 to respond to Kejriwal’s pleas and postponed the matter to April 3 for further consideration.
As the legal proceedings against Arvind Kejriwal continue, the political landscape in Delhi remains tense. The AAP leader’s future hangs in the balance as the Delhi High Court deliberates over his plea against the ED’s charges. The upcoming hearing on April 3 is eagerly awaited by both supporters and critics, as it could significantly impact the political dynamics in the capital.
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