The Supreme Court raised a query to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) concerning the timing of the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, which occurred shortly before the onset of the general elections. Kejriwal had contested his arrest in relation to the Delhi liquor policy case.
Justice Sanjeev Khanna expounded on the reasoning behind questioning the timing of the arrest, directing the ED to clarify whether the central agency can commence criminal proceedings without preceding judicial actions in the case.
Moreover, the Bench, comprising Justice Dipankar Datta, instructed Additional Solicitor General SV Raju to address the concern regarding the timing of the arrest, highlighting the importance of preserving life and liberty.
Additionally, Justice Khanna emphasized that no asset seizure had been executed in the case thus far, and if any such action had transpired, the ED must establish Kejriwal's involvement. The Court queried the rationale behind the arrest preceding the general elections.
The Supreme Court noted a contrast between the evidence presented in the case involving former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Kejriwal's case, where substantial evidence was lacking.
The Court directed the ED to clarify the substantial gap between the initiation of proceedings and the arrest and demanded a response by Friday.
Kejriwal, who chose to continue his duties as Chief Minister from confinement, remains under judicial custody at Delhi's Tihar Jail following his arrest on March 21.
On April 15, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the ED, seeking its response to Kejriwal's challenge against his arrest.