GUWAHATI: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has described his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the liquor policy case as illegal, claiming it represents an "unprecedented assault" on the principles of democracy and free elections. Kejriwal, who is currently in judicial custody, has argued in the Supreme Court that the money laundering case is a "classic case" of misuse of power by the ruling party-led central government to target its political opponents, specifically the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its leaders.
The submissions were made by Kejriwal in his rejoinder to the counter-affidavit filed by the ED opposing his plea challenging his arrest. He stated that the timing of his arrest, just before the general elections, undermines the level playing field required for "free and fair elections."
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Kejriwal has alleged that the ED "illegally picked up" a sitting chief minister five days after the general elections were announced and the model code of conduct was in effect. The timing of the arrest, he contended, provided the ruling party at the centre with an unjust advantage in the ongoing elections.
"The Petitioner's illegal arrest has caused grave prejudice to the Petitioner's political party and will provide the ruling party at the Centre an unjust upper hand in the ongoing elections," Kejriwal said. He emphasised that a level playing field, which is crucial for fair elections, has been compromised due to his arrest.
In his rejoinder, Kejriwal questioned the necessity of his arrest, stating that there was no material to justify such a drastic move, particularly during the election period. He claimed there was no evidence that he had destroyed or tampered with any form of proof. Additionally, he accused the ED of coercing witnesses to give false statements against him.
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Kejriwal's response also highlighted the lack of proof or material demonstrating that the AAP received funds or advanced kickbacks from any group. He asserted that not a single rupee had been traced back to the AAP, refuting the allegations as vague and lacking tangible evidence.
The Delhi chief minister has approached the Supreme Court challenging the April 9 judgment of the Delhi High Court that rejected his challenge to the ED's arrest made on March 21. The Supreme Court (bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta) issued notice to the ED on Kejriwal's petition and listed the matter in the week commencing from April 29.