Delhi HC Denies Interim Release for Arvind Kejriwal in Money Laundering Case

The Delhi High Court declined to grant interim release to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is currently in Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody over his alleged involvement in a money laundering case linked to the Delhi Excise Policy scam.

In the case of Arvind Kejriwal v Directorate of Enforcement, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma issued notice on Kejriwal's plea challenging his arrest but refrained from passing any interim order, emphasizing the necessity of hearing both parties.

The Court cited the principle of natural justice, audi alteram partem, stating, "Declining this opportunity would amount to the denial of fair hearing." It reasoned that granting interim relief would effectively be akin to granting final relief, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive examination of the issues raised.

Acknowledging the complexity of the case, Justice Sharma granted the ED time until April 2 to respond to Kejriwal's plea for release and scheduled further consideration for April 3.

Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi represented Kejriwal, while Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV Raju appeared for the ED during the arguments earlier today.

Kejriwal's arrest on March 21 marked a significant development in the Delhi Excise Policy case, which originated from a complaint by Lieutenant General VK Saxena, alleging irregularities in the policy's formulation. The complaint implicated AAP leaders, including former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, in a criminal conspiracy.

The arrest of Kejriwal, the sitting Chief Minister, is unprecedented in India. His deputy, Sisodia, and AAP MP Sanjay Singh are already in custody in the same case. Additionally, K Kavitha, daughter of Bharat Rashtra Samiti legislator and former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, was arrested by the ED on March 15 in connection with the case.

The legal proceedings have attracted national attention, underscoring the gravity of the allegations and the political implications involved.

Author: Anushka Taraniya

News Writer, MIT ADT University