The Delhi High Court is set to consider Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s petition challenging his detention and custody by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the excise policy case. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma will preside over the hearing. Currently, Kejriwal remains in ED custody until March 28, subsequent to his arrest by the central agency regarding the Delhi excise policy case.
Despite his detainment, Kejriwal, as promised, continues to manage governmental affairs. Recently, he issued directives ensuring the availability of medicines and necessary tests at all government hospitals and Mohalla Clinics, as conveyed by the city’s health minister, Saurabh Bharadwaj. This proactive approach underscores Kejriwal’s ongoing concern for the welfare of Delhi’s residents, despite his legal predicament, according to the minister.
The case revolves around alleged irregularities and money laundering associated with the formulation and execution of the Delhi excise policy in 2022, which was subsequently annulled. Kejriwal is the third prominent AAP figure to face arrest in connection with this case, following Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh.
Previously, Sisodia, who served as Delhi’s Deputy Chief Minister at the time, was apprehended by the CBI on February 26 of the preceding year, after extensive questioning. He was later taken into custody by the ED concerning a separate money laundering investigation. Additionally, on October 5 of the same year, the ED arrested Sanjay Singh, a sitting Rajya Sabha MP, in connection with the same case.