Arvind Kejriwal challenges ED summons: Delhi High Court room’s vital hearing

Kejriwal vs. ED: Delhi High Court’s Spotlight on Crucial Hearing Amidst Summons Challenge

                                                                                                                                                                             Credit : Times Now

21.03.2024: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has recently filed a plea with the Delhi High Court, urging the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to refrain from taking coercive action against him in the excise policy case. This development follows the issuance of a ninth summons by the ED, scheduling Kejriwal’s appearance on March 21, after he had previously skipped eight summonses.

Kejriwal’s plea, set for a hearing on Thursday, emphasizes his willingness to cooperate with the ED provided there is assurance of no arrest or coercive measures. The AAP leader’s legal team asserts that the ED’s intent to arrest him, especially amidst upcoming elections, necessitates protective measures.

Senior advocate AM Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, highlighted in court that the summonses were received without clarity on Kejriwal’s status as an accused, suspect, or witness in the case. Singhvi stressed Kejriwal’s commitment to appearing physically or virtually but under protective conditions.

The Delhi High Court, in a recent hearing, sought the ED’s stance on Kejriwal’s challenge to the summonses, granting the agency a two-week period to respond. The court also questioned Kejriwal’s absence from previous summonses, prompting Singhvi to argue against the agency’s alleged intent to arrest without due process.

Kejriwal and the AAP have consistently maintained that the summonses are unlawful and aimed at his arrest. The ongoing legal battle underscores the complexities surrounding the case and the political context of the situation.

Stay tuned for updates as the Delhi High Court’s critical hearing approaches, where the fate of Kejriwal’s plea and the ED’s response will be pivotal in shaping the course of this legal saga.