Arvind Kejriwal Arrested HIGHLIGHTS: Delhi Court approves ED custody of CM Kejriwal till March 28

Commenting on Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s six-day ED custody, AAP leader Somnath Bharti said, “The case has no merit and that is why, the demand for 10 days (for remand) was reduced to six. I believe that everyone knows how the Modi government is misusing ED and CBI. They are trying to weaken democracy. The people of Delhi have given the mandate to Arvind Kejriwal, so he has the right to run the government and he will do so.” (PTI)

AAP leader Atishi says, “We, very respectfully and humbly disagree with the decision of the court. ED has no proof even after 2 years of investigation… ED forced their witnesses to give statements against Arvind Kejriwal… We will explore all possible legal routes.” 

“One by one opposition parties are being targeted in front of the judiciary. Arvind Kejriwal will always be the CM of Delhi. There is no constitutional bar on him not being the CM. He has not been convicted till now.” (ANI)

Delhi Court has approved ED custody of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal till March 28. ED had sought Kejriwal’s custody for 10 days while claiming that there is sufficient evidence to arrive at prima facie conclusion of guilt.

Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Delhi CM Kejriwal, had argued that this was the first time in independent India that a sitting CM has been arrested. He also highlighted that general, omnibus money laundering allegations are not enough for arrest, unless the money trail leads directly to Kejriwal.

Arvind Kejriwal Arrested LIVE: Judge assembles in court

A group of opposition parties had a detailed discussion with the Election Commission regarding the arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi said, “This isn’t about an individual or any party but it relates to the basic structure of the constitution. When a level playing field is needed for election and you do not let the field be levelled by misusing agencies, it impacts free and fair elections and ultimately democracy.” 

Highlighting that in the history of 75 years of independent India, the first time a sitting CM has been arrested, the opposition parties sought Election Commission’s interference in the matter

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s counsel, Advocate Vivek Jain alleged that the arrest and investigation against Kejriwal is illegal as there is no evidence against him.

Reacting to CM Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest by the ED, Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan said that it is a political arrest as part of a plot launched by BJP. “They are afraid to lose the elections that is why they are trying to intimidate Arvind Kejriwal who is working hard to empower the nation,” said Sandhawan. (ANI)

On CM Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest, Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel says, “If ED says that it has the evidence, then why is seeking remand? If ED has the evidence, then it should present it…”

Court reserves order on ED plea seeking 10-day custodial remand of Delhi CM

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced closure of Lok Kalyan Marg Metro Station in view of AAP’s protest on Friday, officials said. The road is where the prime minister’s residence is. The transporter shut down the station following the directions of police. Earlier in the day, DMRC announced closure of ITO Metro Station from 8 am to 6 pm. “On advice of Delhi Police, Lok Kalyan Marg Metro station will also remain closed in addition to ITO Metro station till further notice,” the DMRC posted on X.

“We have concrete evidence to show Delhi’s excise policy was changed to fund Goa elections,” said ED.

LIVE: AAP Candidate From Goa Admitted to Receiving Cash During Elections, Says ED

Senior Advocate Ramesh Gupta appearing for Arvind Kejriwal argues before Rouse Avenue Court that he’s not an accused in “predicate offence and AAP is not an accused in the predicate offence”. “It’s totally an illegal arrest, ” Gupta said. With this, the Delhi CM’s advocates concluded their argument and the ED team has begun the rebuttal in the court.

Arguing on remand application, senior advocate Vikram Chaudhary, appearing for Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, argued before the court that the probe agency had the “evidence” then why didn’t they arrest the AAP chief before. “This material was available with you…then why did you not arrest me earlier. Were you waiting for this time to stop me from contesting elections?” Chaudhary said.

“… Arvind Kejriwal should understand as should the INDI alliance, that the law and consequences of violating the law don’t stop just because you are a politician or a leader. Every Indian is subject to the same laws. If you are involved in corruption, nothing is preventing the law from coming to your doorstep and asking you all the relevant questions… This is nothing but a National political drama created by the INDI alliance… The consequence of trying to run away from an investigation is an arrest…” Union Minister Rajeev Chandrashekhar said on Friday.

“My life is dedicated to the country, whether I stay inside or outside,” Arvind Kejriwal said while being escorted outside the court.

Abhishek Manu Singhvi for Kejriwal to PMLA Court: ED has shown a pattern, they arrest an accused, oppose bail till he turns approver and agree to testify against Kejriwal. General omnibus money laundering allegations are not enough for arrest unless the money trail leads directly to Kejriwal. The court should not grant remand as a matter of routine; there must be some application of mind.

Delhi and Punjab Assembly Speakers have arrived at Arvind Kejriwal’s residence to meet his family.

“It’s astounding that ED has arrested the Chief Minister of a state just before the elections after the model code of conduct that has kicked into place and in a case where they don’t have any documentary evidence to show that he was involved in the corruption; where they are relying on a statement of some approver who was the officer of a company. The company that had given electoral bonds to the BJP party which controls the ED.”

Senior advocate Singhvi argued before the top court that “80% of people” involved in the case have not take his (Arvind Kejriwal) name and “82% have not mentioned any dealings” with the Delhi CM.

Abhishek Manu Singhvi for Kejriwal to PMLA Court “It is the first time in independent India that a sitting CM has been arrested. First time that the top 4 senior leaders of a national party have been arrested. Remand with the investigating agency is not automatic. ED has not been able to establish the necessity to arrest, power of arrest is not the same as necessity to arrest.Establishing a so called money trail can be grounds for a questionaire, cannot be grounds for arrest.”