New Delhi: In a significant development, the Delhi High Court has declined to grant any interim protection from coercive action to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the Delhi Liquor Scam case. The court has requested a response from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding the matter and has scheduled the next hearing for April 22, 2024.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had filed a fresh petition in the Delhi High Court related to the money laundering case linked to the Excise scam, seeking to avoid strict action against him. The petition was heard before a bench comprising Justices Suresh Kumar Kait and Manoj Jain.
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, stated in court that they are willing to provide any necessary information to the investigation agency. However, Kejriwal is apprehensive about being arrested, hence seeking security after arrest in such circumstances.
The ED argued that Arvind Kejriwal is not a Lok Sabha candidate, but emphasized his role as the patron of the party. The ED asserted that they have evidence to arrest Kejriwal under applicable provisions. The court instructed the ED to submit the evidence by 2:30 pm.
Addressing the court, the ED reiterated that the petition filed is not on behalf of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), as it was filed personally by Kejriwal. The ED emphasized that relief cannot be granted based on precedents set in cases involving other political figures.
This ruling by the Delhi High Court marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings related to the Delhi Liquor Scam case, adding further complexity to the matter.
The next hearing on this case is scheduled for April 22, 2024, where further deliberations and legal arguments are expected to take place.