Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has taken his legal battle to the Supreme Court following the dismissal of his plea by the Delhi High Court. The plea challenged his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the Delhi Excise Policy case, as well as the subsequent remand order issued by the trial court sending him to ED custody.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma of the Delhi High Court, in her ruling, noted the presence of evidence indicating Kejriwal's involvement in the alleged scam. The High Court's decision also highlighted that funds obtained through kickbacks were allegedly utilized for political campaigning during the 2022 Goa legislative assembly elections.

The roots of the ED's money laundering investigation can be traced back to a case initiated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on August 17, 2022. This case revolves around purported irregularities in the Delhi Excise Policy for the fiscal year 2021-22. The initial complaint leading to the CBI case was lodged by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on July 20, 2022.

According to the allegations, a criminal conspiracy involving AAP leaders, including former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, and unidentified private entities transpired during the formulation stage of the policy. The alleged conspiracy was purportedly aided by intentional loopholes in the policy to favor specific licensees and conspirators post the tender process.

Numerous AAP leaders, including former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Member of Parliament Sanjay Singh, have faced arrest by the ED in connection with this case.

Arvind Kejriwal himself was apprehended by the ED on March 21 and subsequently brought before Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court. Initially, the court remanded him to ED custody until March 28, which was later extended until April 1. Following this, he was placed in judicial custody until April 15.

Kejriwal's plea before the High Court contended that the Central government, through the Enforcement Directorate and the application of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), aimed to disrupt the level playing field leading up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Allegations were made regarding the misuse of PMLA to influence electoral dynamics in favor of the ruling party at the Centre, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Despite these contentions, the High Court dismissed Kejriwal's plea, leaving him in Tihar Jail where he is presently lodged.