The Supreme Court on Monday has issued notice to the ED in response to Kejriwal's plea challenging his arrest and subsequent remand. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal finds himself embroiled in a legal maelstrom following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case linked to the Delhi excise policy. 

The apex court bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta took up Kejriwal's petition, seeking a response from the central agency. The court directed the ED to file its reply by April 24, with a rejoinder from Kejriwal due by April 27. Despite requests for an earlier hearing date, the court scheduled the next hearing for April 29, indicating the gravity and complexity of the case.

Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, raised concerns about the timing of the arrest, questioning its proximity to the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Singhvi highlighted the long duration between the case's registration and Kejriwal's arrest, suggesting political motives behind the timing. However, the bench remained focused on procedural matters, urging Singhvi to reserve detailed arguments for the upcoming hearing.

The case stems from a larger investigation into alleged irregularities in the Delhi Excise Policy for 2021-22, initiated by a complaint from Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered a case in August 2022, uncovering a suspected criminal conspiracy involving AAP leaders and unidentified entities during the policy formulation stage.

The ED's money laundering probe, an offshoot of the CBI case, targeted Kejriwal among other AAP leaders. Kejriwal's arrest on March 21 and subsequent remands have sparked debates about the legal basis of the charges and the political undertones surrounding the case. The Delhi High Court's recent dismissal of Kejriwal's plea further escalated tensions, prompting his appeal to the Supreme Court.

The High Court's ruling suggested evidence linking Kejriwal to the alleged scam, indicating a complex web of financial transactions possibly linked to political campaigns. The ED's contention regarding kickbacks used in electoral activities during the 2022 Goa legislative assembly elections adds a political dimension to the legal proceedings.

The involvement of high-profile AAP leaders like former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Member of Parliament Sanjay Singh underscores the case's significance. Their arrests and subsequent legal battles have drawn national attention, raising questions about governance, transparency, and political ethics.

Case: Arvind Kejriwal vs. Directorate of Enforcement.