Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s plea challenging his arrest in a money laundering case linked to the Delhi liquor policy scandal will be heard by the Supreme Court on Monday. Kejriwal, arrested on March 21 over allegations related to the excise policy, remains in judicial custody until May 7, all the while continuing to govern Delhi from behind bars.
In response to an affidavit filed by the Enforcement Directorate, Kejriwal contends that his arrest is a prime example of the BJP-led Centre misusing central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate and laws like the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to suppress its primary political rival.
Kejriwal’s legal counsel asserts that his “unlawful” arrest during the election season has severely disadvantaged his political party and unfairly benefits the BJP in the ongoing 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Highlighting the circumstances surrounding his arrest, Kejriwal emphasizes that he was detained just five days after the announcement of the general election dates and the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
The Enforcement Directorate, in its affidavit, justifies Kejriwal’s arrest by citing significant evidence tampering, including the alleged destruction of approximately 170 mobile phones during the period under investigation.
Meanwhile, the Tihar jail administration’s refusal to grant permission for Kejriwal’s wife, Sunita Kejriwal, to visit him on April 29 has drawn criticism from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The party accuses the Modi government of influencing the jail administration’s decision, asserting that it reflects inhuman treatment towards an elected chief minister.
The AAP’s post on social media platforms denounces the denial of Sunita Kejriwal’s visit, likening Kejriwal’s treatment to that of a terrorist. It demands an explanation from the Modi government for its actions.
According to the jail manual, Kejriwal is allowed visits from two individuals at a time, with a maximum of four visits per week. Delhi minister Atishi is scheduled to meet him on Monday, while Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann will visit him on Tuesday.
