The Rouse Avenue Court has extended Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s custody with the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) until March 28th, following a 10-day remand request. Kejriwal was apprehended on Thursday concerning the alleged Delhi Liquor scam and presented before Special Judge Kaveri Baweja.
During the court session, the ED accused Kejriwal of orchestrating kickbacks from businessmen and shaping the Excise policy directly. They alleged Vijay Nair, an AAP media in charge, acted as a mediator between Kejriwal and certain groups. The ED also claimed illicit funds, including bribes, were transferred through Hawala transactions during the Goa Election.
Assistant Solicitor General SV Raju argued AAP, as a company, benefited, thus holding Kejriwal, the national convenor, accountable. Additionally, Raju stated Kejriwal was uncooperative during the probe.
Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, opposed the remand plea, citing the lack of necessity for arrest and the absence of direct evidence. Singhvi argued Kejriwal’s arrest was arbitrary and illegal, urging the court to consider broader democratic implications.
Senior Advocate Vikram Chaudhari expressed concern about justice administration, particularly the swift arrest post the High Court’s refusal of interim protection.
Kejriwal, arrested over the excise policy case, affirmed his commitment to the nation, regardless of his location, as he entered the court complex under high security.
The excise policy case centers on alleged irregularities and money laundering in the framing and execution of Delhi’s 2022 excise policy, later nullified.
