Arvind Kejriwal to remain in Tihar jail, Delhi HC dismisses plea challenging ED arrest

Delhi High Court verdict on Arvind Kejriwal's plea challenging ED arrest in Delhi Excise policy case.

The Delhi High Court on April 9 dismissed a plea by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is in judicial custody in a money laundering case linked with the alleged excise scam, challenging his arrest.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma pronouncing the order said the national AAP convenor’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate cannot be termed as ‘illegal’.

Also read: Arvind Kejriwal arrest, Delhi High Court live updates - April 9

The ED was able to place enough material in the shape of Hawala dealers, statements of approvers, and statements of their own candidates who referred to the act that he was given money in cash for expenditure in Goa elections, the High Court said while dismissing Mr. Kejriwal’s plea.

Besides his arrest, Mr. Kejriwal has also challenged his subsequent remand in the ED’s custody. He was later remanded in judicial custody and is currently lodged in Tihar jail.

The AAP national convener questioned the “timing” of his arrest by the agency and said it was in contravention of the basic structure of the Constitution, including democracy, free and fair elections and level playing field.

The ED has opposed the plea and contended that Mr. Kejriwal cannot claim “immunity” from arrest on the grounds of upcoming elections as law is applied equally to him and an “aam aadmi”.