The recent questioning of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) by the Supreme Court regarding the timing of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's arrest has sparked significant debate and scrutiny.
On Tuesday, a bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta raised concerns about the timing of Kejriwal's arrest, especially in light of the upcoming 2024 general elections.
The court directed the Additional Solicitor General SV Raju to provide a response to these questions during the next hearing, underscoring the importance of liberty and fair judicial processes.
During the hearing, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi represented Kejriwal, arguing for about two hours. Kejriwal had approached the Supreme Court to challenge his arrest by the ED and subsequent remand in the excise policy case.
His contention was that the arrest, occurring just before the General Elections, seemed to be driven by extraneous considerations rather than legal merits.
The apex court had earlier instructed the ED to submit its response to Kejriwal's plea. This move came after the Delhi High Court dismissed Kejriwal's petition against his arrest and remand, deeming it necessary for him to face the consequences of non-cooperation.
The High Court's decision, issued on April 9, emphasised that Kejriwal's repeated failure to respond to ED summons undermined any claims of special privilege as Chief Minister.
Kejriwal's arrest by the ED on March 21, in connection with a money laundering probe related to alleged irregularities in the Delhi excise policy 2021-22, has been a subject of intense scrutiny and legal battles.
His appeal to the Supreme Court challenges the Delhi High Court's judgement, arguing that political motives influenced his arrest, especially given the timing.
The court's intervention highlights the broader implications of timing in legal proceedings involving public figures, particularly during politically sensitive periods like elections. It underscores the need for a fair and transparent judicial process, free from any perception of political interference or bias.
As the legal battle continues, the Supreme Court's scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding Kejriwal's arrest serves as a reminder of the judiciary's role in upholding constitutional principles and ensuring justice for all individuals, irrespective of their political affiliations.
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