Kejriwal’s Arrest Sparks Legal Duel: Delhi Chief Minister’s Plea for Relief Met with Strong Rebuttal
New Delhi, 3rd April 2024: Amidst a high-profile legal battle, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the Enforcement Directorate engaged in a fierce exchange of legal arguments during proceedings at the Delhi High Court on Wednesday. Kejriwal, who was arrested last month in connection with an alleged liquor policy scam and subsequently remanded to Tihar Jail until April 15th, sought interim relief through his plea before the court.
The legal duel witnessed Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, representing the ED, delivering a robust rebuttal to arguments regarding the timing of Kejriwal’s arrest, asserting that “criminals are supposed to be arrested and put in jail.” Raju dismissed claims suggesting that electoral considerations influenced the arrest, emphasizing the imperative of enforcing the law irrespective of ongoing elections.
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, commenced his argument by asserting that the arrest aimed to “humiliate and incapacitate” the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), viewed by many as a significant contender to the BJP for Delhi’s Lok Sabha seats. Singhvi contended that the ED lacked concrete evidence, questioning the necessity of apprehending a sitting Chief Minister, particularly on the eve of elections.
Following deliberations from both sides, the court reserved its order, scheduled for Thursday afternoon.
Key Points from the Enforcement Directorate
In a bid to justify the arrest, the ED cited the imperative of upholding the law, drawing a parallel between the corruption charges against Kejriwal and the hypothetical scenario of a political figure murdering elections.
The ED emphasized the presence of a money trail and underscored the significance of statements by accused-turned-approvers in substantiating the allegations.
Responding to claims of coercion leading to altered statements, the ED argued that accused individuals may amend their statements when presented with incriminating evidence.
The agency further refuted assertions of prejudice, reiterating Kejriwal’s involvement in the alleged scam.
Arguments from Arvind Kejriwal’s Defense
Singhvi contended that the ED’s actions lacked evidence and transparency, raising concerns over the timing of the arrest and its potential impact on electoral fairness.
He questioned the necessity and urgency of the arrest, emphasizing the principle of a level playing field in elections and alleging political motives behind the timing of Kejriwal’s apprehension.
Singhvi highlighted discrepancies in statements provided by accused individuals, suggesting a pattern of coercion and manipulation.
Kejriwal’s Current Status and Political Ramifications
Kejriwal, presently confined in Tihar Jail, faces judicial custody until April 15th, alongside other AAP leaders arrested in unrelated cases.
The opposition has decried Kejriwal’s arrest as a political vendetta orchestrated by the ruling BJP, prompting speculation about potential electoral ramifications.
As the legal saga unfolds, the court’s forthcoming decision holds significant implications for the ongoing political landscape, particularly in Delhi.
