Leaders Online Desk: Delhi's current chief minister and AAP president Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on Thursday night in connection with the Delhi liquor policy scam case. Meanwhile, today (22nd) he was produced in Rouse Avenue Court. During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, appearing for the ED, claimed that Arvind Kejriwal was the mastermind behind the Delhi liquor policy scam. Abhishek Manu Singhvi also made a strong argument while defending Arvind Kejriwal. Singhvi said it was the first time in India's history that an arrest had taken place during the tenure of a sitting Chief Minister. (Arvind Kejriwal's ED arrest)
There is no direct evidence. While there is no material in the possession of the Enforcement Directorate, on the basis of which Arvind Kejriwal is believed to be guilty of any offence. Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was illegally and arbitrarily arrested by the ED. (Arvind Kejriwal's ED arrest)
Absent direct evidence, why arrest?; Abhishek Manu Sanghvi
Senior lawyer Abhishek Manu Sanghvi appeared for Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the liquor policy scam case. At this time, he said, the first thing is the need for arrest? The power of arrest is not the same as the need for arrest. Just because you have the right to arrest doesn't mean you will. Just because you have power doesn't mean you will use it. I will show the law that says the need for arrest, said Manu Singhvi. (Arvind Kejriwal's ED arrest)
ED remand is not automatic; Singhvi's claim
I want to focus on issues rather than facts. These are four-five aspects. No need to arrest. There is nothing to show that they cannot provide information without arrest. This is the first time in the history of India that a sitting Chief Minister has been arrested. He argued that the first ED remand sent to Kejriwal was not automatic. Therefore, it is necessary to satisfy Article 19, Abhishek Manu Sanghvi also indicated during the hearing.
You have the results even before the voting takes place; Argument of Kejriwal's lawyers
In Article 19 (1) 'If you are not satisfied with the material in their possession, you can come to my house and arrest them. Sanghvi explained that it has also been mentioned that if the crime is proven, you can arrest him. You cannot arrest without reason and belief. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal along with four prominent leaders of the party have been arrested for the first time. Manu Singhvi also argues that this means you have the result even before the voting takes place.
Singhvi while concluding his arguments before the Special Judge, requested that please do not look at the remand as a routine. It requires the application of significant judicial mind…there are larger issues of democracy involved, he added. https://t.co/f11DOnU1vw
— ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2024
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