Arvind Kejriwal Challenges Arrest in Supreme Court Amid Election Cycle
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal challenges his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate, citing coercion and timing amid elections, seeking release.
Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi's Chief Minister, has moved the Supreme Court challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate. The petition argues that his arrest, amidst the election cycle, is motivated and based on contradictory statements of co-accused turned approvers.
"The arrest raises concerns for electoral democracy. If not released, it sets a dangerous precedent for ruling parties to arrest opposition leaders on flimsy charges before elections," stated Kejriwal's petition.
The petition contends that the Enforcement Directorate's process has been misused, allowing political oppression and reputational damage.
The High Court's failure to scrutinize the reliability of Section 164 CrPC statements and the coercion involved in obtaining them is highlighted in the plea.
"Belated approver statements obtained under inducement of bail cannot be relied upon," argued the petition, emphasizing that no new material against Kejriwal has surfaced post these statements.
The reliance on statements by certain individuals lacks substance, as they do not implicate Kejriwal in any offense under PMLA.
The plea seeks Kejriwal's release and a declaration of his arrest under Section 19 of PMLA 2002 as illegal.
