Delhi High Court reserves judgment on CM’s plea against arrest in money laundering case
In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) presented its case against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in court, alleging his direct involvement in a money laundering scheme connected to the excise policy scandal. The Delhi High Court has now reserved its decision on Kejriwal’s petition challenging his arrest and subsequent remand by the trial court.
Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S V Raju, representing the ED, argued vehemently against the petition. He highlighted the agency’s discovery of a concrete money trail, insisting on Kejriwal’s personal and vicarious involvement in the case.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe ASG pointed out the destruction of numerous phones and electronic devices as part of the scheme, emphasizing unaccounted cash transactions purportedly used for election campaigns in Goa, thereby benefiting the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Kejriwal’s defence, led by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, questioned the timing of the arrest, suggesting it aimed to prevent the Chief Minister from engaging in democratic processes and weaken his party before the elections. Singhvi argued that the ED’s basis for arrest, seeking to uncover Kejriwal’s future role in the alleged conspiracy, was unfounded.
However, the ASG dismissed these claims, equating money laundering with severe crimes and criticizing the defence’s attempt to use upcoming elections as a shield against legal scrutiny. He underscored the seriousness of the accusations and the evidence collected by the ED, including WhatsApp chats and statements from hawala operators.
Arvind Kejriwal, arrested on March 21, remains in judicial custody at Delhi’s Tihar Jail alongside key AAP figures, Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain, both embroiled in separate legal battles. The court’s impending decision on Kejriwal’s plea holds significant implications for the Chief Minister, his party, and the broader political landscape as allegations of corruption and misuse of power continue to unfold
