In a significant setback for Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, the Delhi High Court has upheld his arrest in a money laundering case linked to an alleged excise scam. The court maintained that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) was left with “little option” after Kejriwal repeatedly ignored summonses and refused to cooperate with the investigation.
The High Court also referenced the ED’s assertion that Kejriwal had conspired and actively participated in the use and concealment of the proceeds of crime, dismissing his petition against the arrest.
It admonished the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader for questioning the timing of his arrest, emphasizing that an investigation involving both elites and common citizens should not be treated differently.
Furthermore, the court rebuked Kejriwal for casting doubt on the judicial process by alleging an approver’s involvement in making donations to the BJP through electoral bonds. It clarified that the law regarding approvers was not designed to falsely implicate politicians.
With Kejriwal’s failure to secure relief from the high court, the AAP announced its intention to appeal the judgment in the Supreme Court. The party labeled the excise policy case as the “biggest political conspiracy” to undermine their party.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma dismissed Kejriwal’s petition, affirming that there was sufficient evidence in the possession of the agency to incriminate him.
The court highlighted witness statements, including those of approvers, indicating Kejriwal’s alleged involvement in the formulation of the excise policy and the demand for kickbacks from the South Group. It also mentioned material collected through raids and WhatsApp chats, suggesting the utilization of kickbacks for funding elections.
Kejriwal’s arrest was deemed legal by the court, which emphasized that the trial court’s decision to remand him in the custody of the agency was well-reasoned.
The court clarified that it was not addressing Kejriwal’s bail plea but his writ petition challenging the arrest on specific grounds.
It stressed the equal application of law to all parties involved and underscored that political considerations were irrelevant to legal proceedings.
The court noted that statements of approvers against Kejriwal would be evaluated during the trial, rejecting the notion of conducting a mini trial at this stage.
In his petition, Kejriwal sought release on various grounds, including questioning the reliability of belated statements of approvers.
The court dismissed Kejriwal’s contention regarding the timing of his arrest, emphasizing that the investigating agency couldn’t be directed based on personal convenience.
Meanwhile, AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj expressed hope that the Supreme Court would grant relief to Kejriwal, citing recent bail granted to AAP MP Sanjay Singh.
The BJP criticized Kejriwal, alleging that the movement which began with the India Against Corruption stir has now transformed into “Kejri Corruption Kranti,” questioning his moral authority to continue in office while under arrest.
