Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has made a fervent plea to the Supreme Court, denouncing his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the liquor policy case as illegal and constituting an "unprecedented assault" on the pillars of democracy, particularly the principles of free and fair elections and federalism.
Currently in judicial custody, Kejriwal has presented his case before the Apex Court, alleging that the money laundering charges against him serve as a blatant attempt by the ruling central government to crush its "biggest political opponent" - the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its leadership.
The Chief Minister's assertions were made in his rejoinder to the counter affidavit filed by the ED, which opposed his plea challenging the arrest. Kejriwal has vehemently argued that his apprehension by the ED, just five days after the notification of General Elections and amidst the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, severely prejudices his political party and undermines the democratic ethos of a level playing field in elections.
The ED has accused Kejriwal of facilitating the formulation of a liquor policy that allegedly allowed liquor companies to recoup bribes as profits, implicating him in activities connected with the "proceeds of crime." However, Kejriwal has countered these allegations, highlighting the arbitrariness of his arrest, particularly its timing just before the Lok Sabha elections when the Model Code of Conduct was in effect.
Moreover, Kejriwal has raised concerns about the coercion of witnesses by the ED to testify against him, emphasizing the agency's ulterior motives in targeting individuals associated with him. He has also refuted claims of receiving funds or kickbacks for the AAP, asserting the lack of evidence to substantiate such allegations.
Kejriwal's legal challenge to the ED arrest, supported by precedent-setting judgments, questions the necessity and legality of his detention, particularly in the absence of concrete evidence and amid the backdrop of ongoing elections. The Supreme Court, having issued notice to the ED on Kejriwal's petition, is set to deliberate on this matter in the upcoming week, underscoring the significance of safeguarding individual liberties and democratic principles in the face of legal and political challenges.
