Legal Battle Unfolds as Chief Minister’s Plea Challenging Summons Faces Scrutiny
The Delhi High Court declined to issue interim protection from coercive action to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the money laundering case linked to the alleged liquor policy case. A division bench comprising Justice Suresh Kumar Kait and Justice Manoj Jain stated that they were not inclined to pass any order at this stage after hearing arguments from both sides.
However, the bench allowed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to respond to Kejriwal’s application seeking interim relief, part of his petition challenging the summons issued by the central probe agency. Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi represented Kejriwal, while ASG SV Raju along with special counsel Zoheb Hossain represented the ED. The court had previously sought the ED’s response on the maintainability of Kejriwal’s plea challenging the summons.
During the hearing, Singhvi argued that the ED’s actions were creating an unfair playing field, particularly with elections approaching. He criticized the summons for lacking clarity on why Kejriwal was required to appear physically. Singhvi emphasized that the ED must justify any arrest, rather than exercising power arbitrarily. He characterized the ED’s actions as motivated by the upcoming elections.
In opposition, Raju argued against granting interim relief, asserting that Kejriwal must adhere to the law like any other individual. He clarified that Kejriwal was summoned in his personal capacity, not as Chief Minister or Aam Aadmi Party Chief. Raju emphasized the principle of equality before the law.
Overall, the court declined to grant interim protection to Kejriwal at this stage but allowed the ED to respond to his plea.
