Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has filed a petition with the Supreme Court challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the Delhi Excise Policy case. He urgently seeks a hearing tonight, aiming to address the matter swiftly. Kejriwal’s move comes as a response to his apprehension by the ED, emphasizing his determination to contest the legal proceedings against him at the highest judicial level.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been apprehended by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). This follows the earlier decision by the Delhi High Court to deny him interim protection from arrest. Kejriwal’s arrest marks the second instance of an opposition block Chief Minister in India being detained by the central agency, with Jharkhand’s Hemant Soren being the first.
Kejriwal has swiftly responded to his arrest by approaching the Supreme Court. He has filed a writ petition under Article 32 of the Constitution, contesting the ED’s action in connection with the Delhi Excise Policy case. His legal team is urgently seeking a hearing tonight, having submitted a request to the Registry.
Earlier today, the Delhi High Court’s refusal to grant Kejriwal interim protection paved the way for the ED’s move. Subsequently, a 12-member team from the probe agency arrived at his residence in the evening to conduct a search and serve him with summons. Kejriwal has notably missed nine previous summons from the ED, arguing their illegality. The agency has filed two criminal complaints against him for non-compliance.
Just last week, Kejriwal appeared before the ACMM court and secured bail in a case related to non-compliance with summons, albeit subject to certain conditions. This latest development underscores the escalating legal battle between Kejriwal and the ED, further intensifying the political landscape in Delhi.
