In a dramatic turn of events, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has chosen to withdraw his plea against his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the Delhi excise policy case. This decision came after hours of speculation and a notable mention before the Supreme Court on Friday morning.

Kejriwal's counsel, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, made the announcement before the apex court, indicating that they would instead focus on arguing Kejriwal's remand when presented before the Rouse Avenue court in Delhi. Singhvi stated, "We are withdrawing the petition here as it is clashing with the remand. We will argue the remand and come back here."

This development follows Kejriwal's arrest by the ED shortly after a late-night search at his residence on Thursday. The Delhi High Court had earlier declined to grant him interim protection from arrest.

The ED's money laundering probe stems from a case initiated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in August 2022, regarding alleged irregularities in the Delhi Excise Policy for 2021-22. The CBI case was filed based on a complaint by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena.

According to allegations, a criminal conspiracy involving AAP leaders, including former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, and other unnamed private individuals/entities occurred during the formulation of the excise policy. These allegations suggest deliberate loopholes were created in the policy to benefit specific licensees and conspirators after the tender process.

Sisodia and AAP Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Sanjay Singh are already in custody in connection with the case. Additionally, on March 15, 2024, the ED arrested K Kavitha, the daughter of Bharat Rashtra Samiti legislator and former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, in connection with the same case.

Kejriwal's repeated refusal to comply with the ED's summons has heightened tensions in the case. He has labeled the agency's actions as malicious and accused the government of political motives behind the investigation.

Despite the withdrawal of the plea, Kejriwal now faces a formidable legal battle as he prepares to confront the charges and arguments against him in court. The decision to withdraw the plea underscores the gravity of the situation and the intense legal maneuvering surrounding the case.

Case: Arvind Kejriwal vs Directorate of Enforcement.