ED Set to Oppose Kejriwal’s “Immediate Release” Plea in the Delhi High Court today

Kejriwal's Civil Writ Petition Coming Up for Hearing today in Delhi High Court.

ED's Response to Kejriwal's Plea in Delhi High Court

The Enforcement Directorate (ED), as reported last evening by ANI, electronically filed its reply with the Delhi High Court. The central probe agency firmly opposed the interim plea for the "immediate release" submitted by Arvind Kejriwal along with his Civil Writ Petition, which challenges the legality of his arrest and the subsequent remand orders, is scheduled for a hearing today.

Kejriwal's Judicial Custody— PMLA Court Orders

Arvind Kejriwal, the serving Chief Minister of Delhi and the embattled AAP National Convenor, remains in judicial custody in Tihar Jail until the 14th of April. This follows orders by the Special PMLA Court, presided over by Judge Kaveri Baweja, on the 1st of April, that remanded him to such custody. Notably, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) did not seek an extension of his custody at that time, opting instead to reserve the right to request the remaining four days of custody at a later stage.

Ongoing Legal Battle and Interim Relief Request

The legal proceedings are unfolding alongside Arvind Kejriwal's Civil Writ Petition in the Delhi High Court, filed on 21st of March¹, which contests the legality of his arrest and the subsequent remand orders. Although the primary writ petition stands adjourned to the 22nd of April, the Delhi High Court has diected the ED to submit its response regarding Kejriwal's request for interim relief, specifically an "immediate release," even as the main petition remains under adjudication.

ED's Allegations Against AAP

According to the ED's reply, the agency has accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of committing money laundering offenses through its leader, Shri Arvind Kejriwal, with these allegations falling under Section 70 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. Furthermore, the ED highlighted that AAP is officially recognized as a political party, consisting of an association of individuals registered under Section 29-A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

Public Expectations and ED's Stance

Some readers, perhaps less acquainted with the intricacies of legal proceedings, might have expected the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to show a more conciliatory approach towards Arvind Kejriwal, especially after it submitted a “no objection” to the bail application of AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh in the Supreme Court of India. Despite these expectations, reports from ANI indicate that the ED is all set to firmly oppose any form of interim relief for Kejriwal, including his plea for "immediate release," under any conditions, howsoever stringent.

Anticipation of the Court's Decision

As the case comes up before the Delhi High Court today, the 3rd of April, the anticipation surrounding the final verdict is palpable. The decision is expected to have significant implications, not just within the legal domain but also in the political arena, prompting reactions from both the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), each likely to present their interpretations and narratives. While refraining from speculation about the hearing's outcome, we commit to providing our readers with timely updates on the court's rulings and their broader legal and political ramifications.

Stay tuned.

1. Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the ED from his official residence on the evening of 21st March, 2024 itself, after Delhi High Court declined to grant any interim relief in shape of “no coercive measures” to him