Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is scheduled to petition the Supreme Court today, a day after the Delhi High Court denied his petition contesting his apprehension in the liquor policy case. Around 10.30 am, the lawyer for the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will bring up the issue with Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and request an urgent hearing.
High Court Upholds Enforcement Directorate’s Decision to Arrest Mr. Kejriwal in Money Laundering Case
Yesterday, the high court rejected Mr. Kejriwal’s appeal against the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) arrest of him on March 21. The central agency had “little option,” the court ruled, after the AAP leader ignored many summonses related to the money laundering case. It also referred to the charge made by the ED that Mr. Kejriwal was actively involved in the use and hiding of purportedly illicit gains.
The court emphasized that an investigation agency does not need to adhere to a different protocol when questioning a Chief Minister and an average citizen.
“Further, this Court holds that this Court would not lay down two different categories of laws, one for common citizens, and the other granting special privilege to be extended by investigating agency to a Chief Minister or any other person in power only on the basis of being in that public office since that public office is enjoyed by that public figure due to the mandate of the public,” Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma stated in her statement.
Also Read: Kejriwal’s plea against arrest dismissed by Delhi High Court
Mr. Kejriwal Returns to Supreme Court Seeking Relief Amidst Legal Proceedings in Liquor Policy Case
A day after his arrest, Mr. Kejriwal had earlier petitioned the Supreme Court, but he later dropped his request to bring up the issue in the trial court. This occurred on the same day that K Kavitha, the leader of Bharat Rashtra Samithi and another accused in the liquor policy case, was denied relief by a Supreme Court bench. The highest court then ordered Ms. Kavitha to appear before the trial court, stating that it could not circumvent protocol.
After a court setback and eighteen days, Mr. Kejriwal is back before the Supreme Court seeking relief.
It is claimed that the Delhi government gave liquor license holders incentives under its program, which was established in 2021 and removed the following year. The CBI began looking into the claims of irregularities on Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena’s advice. In this case, the ED is looking into the money route. In addition to Mr. Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, a prominent AAP leader and former deputy chief minister, is incarcerated in this case. Sanjay Singh, an AAP MP who was also detained in this matter, is currently free on bond.
