The Delhi High Court dismissed Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s petition challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the remand order issued by the trial court in connection with the excise policy case. The court’s decision was delivered on Tuesday.
In a significant setback for the Delhi chief minister, the high court ruled that Kejriwal’s arrest and subsequent remand by the ED were deemed “not illegal.” Kejriwal was apprehended by the ED on March 21, and the following day, the Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court remanded him to the custody of the ED. Subsequently, on April 1, he was placed under judicial custody until April 15.
The Delhi High Court’s order outlined several key points:
- “Plea not for bail but terming arrest illegal”: The high court noted that the petition contested the arrest, alleging a violation of Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA). The court clarified that the plea wasn’t seeking bail but aimed to declare the arrest as illegal.
- Allegations against Kejriwal: The court stated that evidence collected by the ED indicated Kejriwal’s involvement in a conspiracy and active participation in the use and concealment of proceeds of crime, both in his personal capacity and as the convener of AAP.
- Timing of arrest: Addressing Kejriwal’s concerns regarding the timing of his arrest before the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, the court emphasized that the legality of his arrest and remand had to be examined according to the law, regardless of the election timing.
- Doubts on case approver: The court responded to Kejriwal’s skepticism regarding the statements made by “approvers” in the excise policy case. It stated that casting doubt on the manner of recording the approver’s statement would implicate the court and judge. Additionally, it emphasized that the law pertaining to approvers was not new and was not enacted to implicate Kejriwal specifically.
