CJI said: “You can go to the bench of Justice Sanjiv Khanna and say I assigned”. Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal has been arrested Yesterday (March 21st) by Enforcement Directorate in now scrapped Delhi liquor policy scam case
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NEW DELHI: Amidst ED Arrest, CJI declines to Entertain Arvind Kejriwal‘s Plea himself, redirects to Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s Bench. Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal. Made the plea in light of his recent arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the now-defunct Delhi liquor policy scam case.
During the proceedings, the CJI directed Kejriwal to approach the bench of Justice Sanjiv Khanna, stating,
“You can go to the bench of Justice Sanjiv Khanna and say I assigned.”
–CJI
This redirection to Justice Khanna’s bench suggests a procedural move in handling Kejriwal’s plea.
A Supreme Court Panel Comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna, M.M. Sundresh, and Bela M. Trivedi Accepts Kejriwal’s Plea for Hearing.
Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for Kejriwal, mentioned the matter for urgent listing before a bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud.
The CJI asked Singhvi to mention his plea before a bench headed by Justice Sanjiv Khanna.
Singhvi then rushed to Justice Khanna’s court and mentioned the matter.
Justice Khanna said Kejriwal’s plea would be heard by a three-judge bench which will assemble in a while.
Kejriwal had moved the Supreme Court late Thursday after the ED arrested him.
Kejriwal’s arrest has sparked considerable attention and controversy, especially considering his prominent political stature as the Chief Minister of Delhi and leader of the AAP. The ED’s actions in connection with the liquor policy scam case have intensified the ongoing legal and political scrutiny surrounding Kejriwal and his administration.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Kejriwal’s plea will progress before Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s bench and what implications it may have on the broader legal and political landscape.
BACKGROUND OF THE CASE
The Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal finds himself at the heart of a legal storm surrounding the contentious Delhi excise policy case. As the chief of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Kejriwal has initiated an appeal to the Supreme Court following an adverse decision from the Delhi High Court today, which denied him protection from the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) actions. This legal challenge underscores a significant confrontation between state authorities and national law enforcement agencies, with broader implications for political and judicial proceedings in India.
The crux of the matter emerged after the Delhi High Court, presided over by Justices Suresh Kait and Manoj Jain, declined to offer Kejriwal protection from “coercive action” by the ED. The refusal has heightened tensions, particularly as the ED asserts pressure, evidenced by their visit to Kejriwal’s residence armed with a search warrant. This development marks a pivotal moment in the excise policy case, which has seen prominent AAP leaders, including Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, placed in judicial custody.
Kejriwal’s plea for an urgent listing and hearing in the Supreme Court signifies his legal team’s strategic response to the High Court’s stance. The case is set against the backdrop of allegations tied to corruption and money laundering in the formulation and implementation of the Delhi government’s excise policy for 2021-22—a policy that has since been withdrawn.
During the High Court proceedings, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju underscored the gravity of the situation with his remark,
“It is already over. Time is over. He is not attending.”
Raju’s statement reflects the judiciary’s frustration with Kejriwal’s non-compliance, suggesting that those “who flout the law” should not expect leniency.
In defense, Kejriwal’s attorney, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, articulated concerns over the timing and nature of the legal challenges faced by the Chief Minister. Singhvi argued that the imminent threat of arrest and the perceived attempts to destabilize AAP’s position ahead of general elections represent a concerted effort to undermine democratic fairness. He stated,
“There was no necessity to apprehend him after several charge sheets have already been filed before the trial court.”
The legal battle extends beyond the individual predicaments of Kejriwal and his party members; it encompasses broader themes of governance, accountability, and the intersection of law and politics. The ED’s allegations suggest a direct connection between Kejriwal and the formulation of the controversial excise policy, adding layers of complexity to an already convoluted case.
As this legal drama unfolds, all eyes are now on the Supreme Court, awaiting its decision on whether to grant Kejriwal the protection he seeks. The outcome of this legal entanglement could have far-reaching consequences, not only for the individuals involved but also for the principles of justice, transparency, and political integrity in India. With the general elections on the horizon, the stakes could not be higher for Kejriwal, the AAP, and the Indian democratic process at large.
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