The Delhi High Court is scheduled to release its judgment today regarding the plea filed by Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor Arvind Kejriwal challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the excise policy money laundering case. The verdict time has been set at 3.15 pm by Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma.
What happened last week?
Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest has been challenged by him, and the trial court, granted by ED remand, has reserved the matter after detailed arguments from both sides last week.
Representing Kejriwal, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued that the case raises concerns about timing, which could hinder the petitioner’s participation in the democratic process and potentially harm his party, with reference to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The first phase of polling for the election is set for April 19.
The plea was countered by the ED, stating that Kejriwal cannot claim “immunity” from arrest based on the upcoming elections as the law applies equally to him and the common man.
Furthermore, the ED stated that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has been the primary beneficiary of funds from illegal activities in the Delhi liquor scam. Allegedly, a portion of these funds, amounting to approximately ₹45 crore, was purportedly utilized in AAP’s electoral campaign during the Goa Assembly elections in 2022.