The Delhi High Court has made a decision on the petition filed by jailed Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The court has refused to provide any interim relief to the Chief Minister during this hearing. Instead, a new date, April 3, has been set for further considerations regarding Kejriwal’s arrest.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader was taken into custody by the ED on March 21 in connection to a money-laundering case associated with the alleged excise policy scandal. The court’s decision follows a plea by Kejriwal to quash all proceedings against him, including the summonses issued. The hearing was presided over by Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma.
Kejriwal, along with other AAP members, has been accused of soliciting kickbacks from liquor traders in exchange for favors in the implementation of the excise policy. The ED has labeled Kejriwal as a key conspirator in the scheme. Several top leaders of the party, including Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, have also faced arrests in relation to the case.
During the proceedings, Kejriwal’s legal team argued that his arrest was legally unfounded, citing violations of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and the lack of necessity for his apprehension. Despite these claims, the court has decided to gather more information from the Enforcement Directorate before making a final ruling on the matter.
This development comes amidst heightened tensions in Delhi, with protests both in support of and against Kejriwal’s arrest. The court’s decision to extend the case highlights the complexity and significance of the ongoing legal battle involving the Chief Minister and the federal agency.
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