'Delaying tactics,' Arvind Kejriwal challenges arrest in High Court, criticizes ED

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has challenged his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case linked to the now-defunct liquor policy. Today, in the Delhi High Court, the matter was brought before Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma's bench, which scheduled a hearing for later in the day. Senior Advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, raised concerns about the agency's perceived "delaying tactics."

On the ED's behalf, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju explained that the agency received Kejriwal's petition only yesterday and requested three weeks to prepare a comprehensive response. Responding to this, Mr. Singhvi pointed out the urgency, highlighting that defects in the filing were rectified late last night to ensure a proper presentation of the case.

Justice Sharma indicated that she would seek a response and provide a prompt date for an interim relief hearing. Singhvi emphasised the significance of addressing the basis for Kejriwal's remand, which is set to expire tomorrow, urging the court to decide without further delay.

In his petition, Kejriwal argued that his arrest infringed upon his human rights and criticised the ED for its inability to substantiate the alleged crime. He claimed that the arrest, conducted without prior interrogation, bore indications of political motivation and demanded his immediate release from custody along with the annulment of the remand.