In a dramatic turn of events, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has taken his legal battle to the Supreme Court following a setback in the ongoing liquor policy case. The move comes just a week before the highly anticipated Lok Sabha elections, posing a significant challenge for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor.
After the Delhi High Court dismissed Kejriwal’s plea challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), his legal team swiftly moved to demand an early hearing in the case scheduled for 10.30 am today.
During the previous hearing, the Delhi High Court made damning statements, alleging Kejriwal’s involvement in the scandal. The court asserted that Kejriwal “conspired with others” and was “actively involved in using the proceeds of crime,” as per evidence provided by the ED. Furthermore, it accused him of playing a personal role in formulating the now-defunct liquor policy and soliciting kickbacks. The court also pointed fingers at Kejriwal’s role as the national convenor of AAP, implicating him in activities linked to the scandal.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, while delivering the verdict, emphasized that Kejriwal’s arrest was not illegal, stating that “his remand cannot be termed illegal” as it was “not in contravention of law.”
Reacting to the High Court’s decision, AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj announced the party’s intention to challenge the verdict in the Supreme Court, expressing disagreement with the ruling.
Kejriwal’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21 in connection to the money laundering case related to the Delhi liquor policy case has kept him confined to Tihar Jail until April 15, following a 14-day judicial custody.
Meanwhile, on the same day, Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court is expected to deliver its decision on another plea filed by the Chief Minister, seeking more time to consult with his legal counsel.