Arvind Kejriwal ‘Bid to stop me from participating in the election’: Delhi high court hearing

As the Delhi High Court began hearing the petition of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal against the arrest by the Enforcement Department (ED) in the liquor policy case on Wednesday, advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi told the court that the timing of the arrest reeked of a democracy issue because the petitioner (Kejriwal) would not be able to participate in the election process. Singhvi stated at the beginning of the argument that the arrest was an attempt to destroy the party (the Aam Aadmi Party) even before the first vote was cast.

The necessity of Kejriwal’s detention was called into question by Singhvi, who stated, “Level playing field is not just a phrase or word but has three components—- it is a component of free and fair elections, which, in turn, is a component of democracy and basic structure.” It (the arrest) is a clear example of the timing problem, which is to avoid taking part in the election and to attempt to destroy the political party before the first vote is cast. When it comes to fundamental structure, democracy, and free and fair elections, the timing is absolutely perfect. This timing smells of fundamental structure issues, issues pertaining to free and fair elections, and issues pertaining to democracy. Why is this a matter of immediacy or necessity?

According to Singhvi’s argument, the Enforcement Department did not discover any evidence that supported Section 50 of the PMLA between the dates of October 30, 2023 (the date of the first summons) and March 16, 2023 (the date of the ninth summons). According to Kejriwal’s attorney, the Enforcement Department’s remand application stated that they wanted to learn more about the role of the chief minister, which cannot be the reason for the detention.

Kejriwal was sent in judicial custody for a period of fifteen days on April 1 by the court located on Rouse Avenue. The petition that was submitted by the Chief Minister of Delhi to challenge his arrest is currently being heard by the High Court.

Arvind Kejriwal

Sanjay Singh, an AAP member of parliament, was granted bail on Tuesday in connection with the same case, while Kejriwal remained to hold the position of chief minister while being transferred to Tihar. On the other hand, the Supreme Court emphasized that Sanjay Singh’s bail could not be used as a precedent in any other case.

The Election Department (ED) stated that Kejriwal could not utilize the bogey of polls because elections have already taken place and the ED has not yet become active this time. The ED attorney stated that there is no question in anyone’s mind that there is a scam. Despite the fact that you are making a lot of noise about it today, it is very evident that there was a scam, and both the public and the exchequer have been cheated out of their money.

It was not around the time of the elections that the truth that there was a scandal that ran into one hundred crore was discovered. It is impossible for them to use elections as a mascot. Elections have arrived at this point. ED lawyers stated that it is not the case that ED has become operational at this time.

The attorney for ED, S Raju, stated that the money was not discovered because it had been spent in the election campaign for the state of Goa. It is also possible to send money to other countries. When the ED asks you where the money is, you respond by saying that you are unsure of the location,” he stated.

The plea that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has filed to challenge his arrest by the Enforcement Department in the case involving the alleged liquor policy fraud will be heard today by the Delhi High Court.

In this case, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma will preside over the proceedings.

Kejriwal is currently being held in custody by the court. On the evening of March 21st, he was taken into custody. On the 22nd of March, the trial court ordered him to remain in ED custody for a period of six days, which was then extended by an additional four days. On the first of April, he was placed under judicial detention until the fifteenth of April.

 

ALSO READ: INDIA OPPOSITION DEMONSTRATIONS IN THE CAPITAL AGAINST KEJRIWAL’S ARREST BEFORE THE ELECTION.