Delhi HC hears Kejriwal’s plea challenging ED arrest in excise policy case.
The Delhi High Court heard Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s plea challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in a case linked to the state’s excise policy. In an affidavit, the probe agency called the CM the “kingpin” of the alleged liquor scam, and that evidence points towards his role in money laundering.
Currently in Tihar jail until April 15 as per a lower court order, the ED opposed his bail petition, stating that the investigation is developing.
It also argued that accepting remand extension waives the right to question custody, as the CM did not object to it on March 28 and April 1.
The agency claimed that Kejriwal is the prime accused of systematically subverting excise rules for unlawful gains.
Buoyed by the Supreme Court‘s bail of AAP leader Sanjay Singh in the same case, the ruling party expressed hope that all leaders would be free soon.
The High Court bench is expected to rule on whether ED arrest infringes civil rights or its mandate to act on evidence in corruption probes. Political undertones also shadow the keenly watched legal proceedings.
