Delhi CM Kejriwal Withdraws SC Plea Against ED Arrest, to Contest Remand Proceedings

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has opted to withdraw his plea against arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the excise policy-linked money laundering case from the Supreme Court. Kejriwal’s decision was communicated by his counsel, who stated that the CM would instead contest the remand proceedings before the trial court. Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, informed the bench headed by Justice Sanjiv Khanna about the withdrawal, citing scheduling conflicts between the remand proceedings and the SC hearing. Justice Khanna allowed the withdrawal, advising Singhvi to inform the registry. This move comes after Justice Khanna had earlier informed Singhvi that Kejriwal’s petition would be heard by a three-judge bench later in the day. Kejriwal’s arrest by the ED followed the Delhi High Court’s denial of protection against coercive action by the agency. The ED has alleged Kejriwal’s involvement in formulating the excise policy, resulting in undue benefits to certain individuals in exchange for kickbacks to the AAP, as per the charge sheets filed by the agency.