Arvind Kejriwal, the leader of AAP, faces another night behind bars following the Delhi High Court’s dismissal of a petition challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with an alleged liquor policy scam. Despite the petition’s rejection, the court has directed the ED to respond to Kejriwal’s plea by April 2, with the next hearing scheduled for April 3.
Currently held in ED custody at their Delhi office, Kejriwal’s legal team contends that his arrest violates his human rights and asserts that the ED has failed to substantiate the alleged wrongdoing. They argue that the timing of Kejriwal’s arrest, amid the AAP’s campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha election, suggests political motivation.
During a lengthy court session, Kejriwal’s legal representatives criticized what they perceived as the Enforcement Directorate’s stalling tactics, particularly after the agency requested three weeks to respond, citing delays in receiving the petition. Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, representing the ED, stated they required time to examine the document thoroughly.
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However, Senior Counsel Abhishek Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, clarified that the petition was filed on March 23 and any defects were subsequently rectified before sharing it with the ED.
As Kejriwal’s seven-day custody under the agency draws to a close, the spotlight now turns to the next court appearance, scheduled at Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court. It is anticipated that authorities will seek an extension of his custody.
The legal battle surrounding Kejriwal’s arrest intensifies amidst allegations of political interference and the impending Lok Sabha elections, underscoring the complexities of the Indian political landscape.
