Today (3rd April) The Delhi High Court reserved its judgment on a plea filed by Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, challenging his arrest. The decision comes after hearings on the matter.
NEW DELHI: Today (3rd April): The Delhi High Court, led by Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, has reserved its judgment on the plea filed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The plea challenges his arrest and subsequent remand in connection with his alleged involvement in the controversial Delhi excise policy. After hearing arguments from both sides, the court reserved its decision for a later date.
READ ALSO: ED Seeks Access to Arvind Kejriwal’s iPhone Amidst Investigation
The ED made these statements before the Delhi High Court during a hearing on Arvind Kejriwal’s petition challenging his arrest by the investigative agency.
The ED expressed its dilemma, stating,
“We’re caught between a rock and a hard place. If we seize AAP’s properties, they’ll question us during elections. If we don’t, they’ll demand proof. It’s a tough spot.”
The Additional Solicitor General (ASG) remarked,
“The arguments presented resemble those of a bail application rather than a plea for quashing the arrest.”
During the hearing, the Additional Solicitor General, SV Raju, representing the ED, stated that they wanted to attach some properties belonging to the AAP. However, the ED raised concerns about the timing of such action, considering the upcoming elections. Raju explained that if they proceeded with the attachment, it might be questioned as an attempt to influence the elections.
On the other hand, if they refrained from taking action, it might be criticized for a lack of evidence. The ED finds itself in a difficult situation, seeking guidance from the court on how to proceed.
Additionally, the ED argued that Kejriwal’s petition should be rejected as the investigation into his role in the liquor policy case was still ongoing and in its early stages.
READ ALSO: Arvind Kejriwal Returns to Tihar: A Review of Previous Jail Sentences
Background
Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, was arrested by the ED on March 21 in connection with the liquor policy case. Initially, he was taken into custody for six days, which was later extended by four more days. Subsequently, on April 1, Kejriwal was remanded to judicial custody until April 15, and he is currently held at Tihar Jail.
ASG Raju referred to Kejriwal’s submission in the Rouse Avenue court, where the AAP chief stated that the ED could keep him in custody for as long as they wanted.
Raju emphasized that Kejriwal’s statements were contradictory, as he initially expressed no objection to the remand but later criticized it as a scam. Raju argued that one cannot ride two horses simultaneously and suggested that Kejriwal’s statements indicated waiver and acquiescence.
READ ALSO: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal Produced Before Special Court Today
During the hearing, Arvind Kejriwal claimed that his arrest was an attempt to undermine his party’s prospects before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Kejriwal, questioned the timing of the arrest, highlighting that it coincided with the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.
The Delhi High Court is currently considering the ED’s request to attach properties belonging to the AAP in the liquor policy case.
