Delhi HC Reserves Verdict On Arvind Kejriwal's Plea Against Arrest

Bench comprising Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma had previously declined interim relief to Kejriwal, only issuing notice on his plea challenging the arrest and his application for immediate release. The ED, in response, has labeled Kejriwal as the mastermind and central figure in the excise scam, accusing him of money laundering on the basis of evidence in their possession.

During arguments, the Additional Solicitor General SV Raju highlighted that Kejriwal had not challenged the latest remand order, questioning the validity of challenging earlier orders while accepting subsequent remands. On the other side, Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi appeared on behalf of Arvind Kejriwal and argued that the ED did not follow proper procedures under Section 50 of PMLA and raised concerns about coerced statements from approvers against Kejriwal.

The ASG defended the arrest, citing clear evidence of money laundering and implicating AAP as a major beneficiary of the crime proceeds. The ED's case revolves around a conspiracy to provide undue profits to specific entities, with alleged involvement from Kejriwal and his associates, including during election campaigns.

The case also involves allegations of skipped summons and conspiracy to grant inflated profits in the liquor policy, orchestrated by individuals linked to Kejriwal and his party. Despite legal maneuvers and challenges, the matter remains pending in court, with further hearings scheduled.

Source: Live Law