Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of Delhi is set to approach the Supreme Court today, a day after the Delhi High Court dismissed his plea challenging his arrest in the liquor policy case. Represented by his counsel, Kejriwal’s appeal will be brought before Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud at around 10.30 am, seeking an urgent hearing.
The high court’s decision yesterday rejected Kejriwal’s challenge to his March 21 arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The court emphasized that the ED had limited options after Kejriwal repeatedly ignored summons in the money laundering case. Additionally, it highlighted the ED’s accusation that Kejriwal played an active role in the use and concealment of alleged proceeds of crime.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, in her statement, underscored the absence of a separate protocol for questioning individuals, irrespective of their public office, including Chief Ministers. She stated, “This Court holds that this Court would not lay down two different categories of laws…”
Responding to the high court’s ruling, AAP leader and Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj emphasized that neither the ED nor the CBI found any illegal money during their searches related to the Delhi liquor policy case. He asserted that witnesses were pressured to alter their statements to align with the ED’s objectives. Bharadwaj characterized the issue as “the biggest political conspiracy in India’s history.”
Also read: BJP Leader Demands Arvind Kejriwal’s Resignation Following HC Ruling on Liquor Scam Allegations
Bharadwaj noted the denial of relief to AAP MP Sanjay Singh by the high court on similar grounds but expressed hope for justice from the Supreme Court for Arvind Kejriwal.
Kejriwal had initially approached the Supreme Court on the day of his arrest but withdrew his petition to pursue the matter in the trial court. Now, eighteen days after the setback in court, he seeks relief once more from the Supreme Court.
The allegations revolve around the Delhi government’s liquor policy, implemented in 2021 and rescinded the following year, which purportedly favored liquor licensees. The CBI initiated a probe based on recommendations from Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena regarding alleged irregularities, while the ED investigates the money trail. Alongside Kejriwal, former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia is currently in jail, while AAP MP Sanjay Singh, also implicated, has been granted bail.
