“Supreme Court Questions Timing of Arvind Kejriwal’s Arrest; ED to Respond on May 3”

During a hearing on Tuesday, the Supreme Court raised concerns regarding the timing of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest in connection with the excise policy case.

The apex court queried the Enforcement Directorate (ED) about the rationale behind making the arrest just before the Lok Sabha elections.

Justice Sanjiv Khanna, as reported by Live Law, highlighted the significance of timely proceedings and emphasized that the prolonged duration between the initiation of proceedings and the filing of repeated complaints could have consequences.

He underscored that liberty is of utmost importance and expressed the court’s intent to delve deeper into the timing of Kejriwal’s arrest.

Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Kejriwal in court, stressed the importance of the ED acting with fairness and impartiality, stating that vindictiveness should not play a role in their actions.

In response to the court’s queries, the ED has been directed to provide responses on Friday, May 3.

The previous day, during proceedings, the court had inquired why Kejriwal’s counsel had not moved a bail application in the trial court. Singhvi retorted, labeling Kejriwal’s arrest as “illegal.”

Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21 in connection with a money laundering probe related to alleged irregularities in the now-cancelled Delhi excise policy for the year 2021-22.

In other developments, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann visited Kejriwal in Tihar jail, where he reported that Kejriwal’s health was stable and that he was receiving necessary medical care.

Kejriwal expressed interest in the status of wheat production in Punjab and the state’s electricity supply.

Additionally, he encouraged support for the party and emphasized the importance of safeguarding the Constitution.