CM Arvind Kejriwal challenges ED Arrest.
The Delhi High Court heard a plea by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in an alleged money laundering case linked to the excise policy scam.
Arvind Kejriwal has sought immediate release, stating that the arrest and subsequent remand were “illegal”. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma heard arguments from both sides.
AAP MLAs including ministers Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj held protests at the Delhi Assembly sporting yellow shirts with slogans in support of Kejriwal.
MLAs from AAP and BJP also staged demonstrations at the assembly premises over the issue. Meanwhile, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya hit out at Kejriwal, saying his attempts to gain sympathy while in custody will not succeed.
The ED has opposed the petition and sought three weeks to file a response, which the AAP termed as a “delaying tactic”. Health concerns of Kejriwal, who is diabetic, were also raised.
The court is expected to pronounce orders later in the day. Tensions were witnessed outside the BJP office in Delhi after AAP workers staged protests.
India has objected to the US’s comments on the legal proceedings. The MEA summoned a US mission official and asserted that the country’s legal processes are independent.
