The Supreme Court raised significant questions on Tuesday regarding the timing of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest just before the commencement of the general elections. Arvind Kejriwal had challenged his arrest in connection with the Delhi liquor policy case.
During the hearing, Justice Sanjeev Khanna highlighted the issue of whether the Enforcement Directorate (ED) could initiate criminal proceedings without prior judicial scrutiny in the matter. He emphasised the importance of life and liberty, asserting that such fundamental rights must not be undermined.
Justice Khanna, along with Justice Dipankar Datta, directed Additional Solicitor General S V Raju to provide clarification on the timing of the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal. They questioned why Kejriwal was arrested right before the general elections, stressing the need for a valid explanation from the ED.
The NDTV quoted Justice Khanna as saying, “No attachment action has been taken so far in this case, and if it has been done, then show how Kejriwal is involved in the matter,” Justice Khanna said. “Tell me, why the arrest before the general elections?” he added.
The Supreme Court observed discrepancies between Kejriwal’s case and that of former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. While investigators claimed to have found material evidence in Sisodia’s case, no substantial evidence had been presented in the case to justify the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal.
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Justice Khanna further urged the ED to explain the significant delay between initiating proceedings and carrying out the arrest. The court instructed the ED to provide a detailed response to these queries by Friday.
Arvind Kejriwal, currently serving as a Chief Minister from jail, has been held in judicial custody at Delhi’s Tihar Jail since his arrest on March 21.
Previously, the Delhi High Court upheld Kejriwal’s arrest on April 9, stating that the ED had few options left after Arvind Kejriwal evaded summons and declined to participate in the investigation.
Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) election campaign is being managed by party leaders Atishi, Saurabh Bharadwaj and other senior colleagues. Kejriwal’s wife, Sunita, has also actively engaged with her husband’s supporters during this period.
The Supreme Court’s scrutiny of Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest reflects broader concerns over the legal process and underscores the significance of procedural integrity in criminal proceedings, particularly during sensitive political contexts like general elections.
