Delhi Excise Policy: Kejriwal challenges arrest and ED custody, denied urgent hearing
PTC News Desk: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has moved the Delhi High Court to challenge his recent arrest and custody by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). However, his plea for an urgent hearing has been denied, and the matter is scheduled for listing on Wednesday when the court reopens.
Kejriwal's arrest came following the Delhi High Court's refusal to grant him interim protection from coercive action by the ED in a money laundering probe. The AAP national convener was arrested on Thursday and subsequently sent to ED custody until March 28. Special Judge Kaveri Baweja permitted the custody after the ED emphasised the necessity to probe alleged acts of money laundering and corruption related to the case.
In response, Kejriwal filed a plea asserting the illegality of his arrest and remand, seeking immediate release from custody. The case revolves around allegations of corruption and money laundering in the formulation and execution of the Delhi government's excise policy for 2021-22, which was later scrapped. Notably, other top AAP leaders, Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, are currently in judicial custody in connection with the same case.
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Despite the legal proceedings, AAP leaders have expressed confidence in Kejriwal's ability to continue governing from jail. Punjab Chief Minister and AAP leader Bhagwant Mann stated plans to request permission from the court to establish an office in jail for the functioning of the Delhi government.
Legal experts, however, caution that while there is no legal prohibition on leading the government from prison, practical challenges may arise. Constitutional expert PDT Achary highlighted the need for adherence to jail protocols and obtaining specific permissions from the court for such arrangements. The developments surrounding Kejriwal's arrest have sparked discussion about the practical implications of governing from confinement, with experts emphasising the importance of legal protocols in ensuring smooth governance under such circumstances.
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(Inputs from agencies)
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