The Delhi High Court on Tuesday dismissed a plea by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case related to an alleged excise scam.
In response to this verdict, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is expected to move the Supreme Court on Wednesday to challenge the decision.
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With the high court’s ruling, Arvind Kejriwal, whom the Enforcement Directorate has labeled as the ‘kingpin’ of the liquor policy case, will remain in Tihar Jail until April 15, in accordance with a previous order from the Delhi Rouse Avenue court.
The high court, while delivering its verdict, stated that Arvind Kejriwal had “conspired with others” and actively participated in using the proceeds of crime, as per evidence presented by the Enforcement Directorate.
It noted his involvement in the formulation of the now-repealed liquor policy and his alleged role in demanding kickbacks. Furthermore, the court highlighted his participation in activities related to the scandal as the national convenor of AAP.
Regarding the timing of the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal before the Lok Sabha elections, the court deemed his challenge as “not sustainable” in the absence of any malice on the part of the federal probe agency.
It emphasized that Kejriwal’s arrest and remand in a money laundering case must be examined according to the law, irrespective of the election timing.
The court also rejected the argument that Arvind Kejriwal could have been questioned through video conferencing, stating that it is not for the accused to decide how the investigation should be conducted. It emphasized that there cannot be any specific privilege for anyone, including the Chief Minister, and that the law should apply uniformly to all individuals.
Overall, the high court’s decision underscores the principle of equality before the law and the importance of upholding legal procedures in criminal investigations, regardless of the political context.
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