The Enforcement Directorate (ED) secured an extension of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's remand until April 1, as proceedings intensified in the money-laundering investigation linked to the alleged excise policy scam. Kejriwal, appearing before the Rouse Avenue court, faced the extension following the expiry of his initial custodial period. The ongoing legal battle, amid upcoming general elections, witnessed the Delhi High Court deferring a decision on Kejriwal's plea seeking immediate relief against his arrest.

Despite Kejriwal's efforts in the High Court, instant reprieve eluded him, setting the stage for continued legal confrontation over his purported involvement in the contentious 2021-22 excise policy of the capital. The court underscored the necessity for an ED response to address legal intricacies and the validity of concerns raised in the CM's petition, scheduling the next hearing for April 3.

The court highlighted the significance of fair representation, emphasizing that both parties, including the ED, deserve an opportunity to present their arguments. The denial of this opportunity, the court noted, would contravene principles of natural justice applicable to all parties involved.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Assembly witnessed tumultuous scenes as AAP legislators staged a protest against Kejriwal's arrest by the ED. Amid the uproar, BJP legislators demanded Kejriwal's resignation, leading to a charged atmosphere in the legislative chamber.

Why Arvind Kejriwal Faces Arrest?

Arvind Kejriwal's arrest by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21 stems from his repeated mentions in chargesheets related to the excise policy case. The AAP leader stands accused of allegedly seeking kickbacks from liquor traders in exchange for favorable treatment, with authorities identifying him as a central figure in the now-defunct policy.

The ED's investigations have also implicated other high-ranking AAP members, including Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, in connection with the case. The agency, asserting Kejriwal's pivotal role, has sought court permission to probe AAP's involvement as a beneficiary of illicit gains.

In response, Kejriwal has vehemently denied the accusations, attributing his arrest to political maneuvering by the BJP-led central government. He has portrayed the investigations as politically motivated, decrying what he perceives as the misuse of investigative agencies for partisan ends.

The unfolding legal saga surrounding Kejriwal's arrest underscores the intensifying political landscape in the run-up to general elections, with ramifications extending beyond individual culpability to broader implications for governance and accountability.