Following the dismissal of his petition challenging his arrest in the liquor policy case by the Delhi High Court, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has now turned to the Supreme Court for relief. This move comes as part of ongoing legal battles surrounding accusations related to the Delhi government’s liquor policy.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader’s arrest on March 21 by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) prompted his legal team to file a petition in the Delhi High Court, seeking to challenge the legality of his arrest. However, the high court ruled against Kejriwal’s challenge, citing his repeated failure to comply with summonses issued by the ED in connection with the money laundering case. The court emphasized that investigative agencies must treat all individuals equally, without affording special treatment based solely on their public office.
In response to the high court’s decision, AAP leader and Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj criticized the ED and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), highlighting that no incriminating evidence had been found during their investigations related to the Delhi liquor policy case. Bharadwaj alleged witness tampering and pressure tactics by investigative agencies.
Bharadwaj drew parallels between Kejriwal’s case and that of AAP MP Sanjay Singh, pointing out that while the high court had denied relief to Singh, the Supreme Court had granted him bail. This juxtaposition underscores the political significance and legal complexity of the ongoing proceedings.
Arvind Kejriwal’s current appeal to the Supreme Court marks his return to the highest judicial authority in seeking redressal for his arrest. Notably, Kejriwal had previously approached the Supreme Court immediately after his arrest, only to withdraw his petition later in favor of pursuing legal remedies in the trial court.
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The underlying controversy revolves around allegations of irregularities linked to the Delhi government’s liquor policy, which was enacted in 2021 and subsequently repealed in the following year. The policy changes are suspected to have conferred undue benefits upon liquor licensees. Following a recommendation from Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, the CBI initiated an investigation into these allegations, while the ED is probing potential financial misconduct associated with the case.
In addition to Arvind Kejriwal, former Deputy Chief Minister and senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia is currently incarcerated in connection with the liquor policy case. Meanwhile, AAP MP Sanjay Singh, also embroiled in the same legal proceedings, has been released on bail.
The progression of events underscores the multifaceted legal and political dimensions surrounding the Delhi liquor policy case. Kejriwal’s appeal to the Supreme Court reflects a pivotal moment in his efforts to challenge the legal ramifications of his arrest and to navigate the complex legal landscape surrounding these contentious allegations.
