Arvind Kejriwal’s challenge to ED arrest: “We can show Kejriwal demanded Rs 100 crore”: ED told SC

New Delhi: The Supreme Court dismissed Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s plea on Tuesday, challenging the arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case related to the Delhi excise policy.

A bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta heard the case.

During the hearing of Kejriwal’s plea challenging his arrest, the Supreme Court informed the ED that it may consider granting interim bail to Arvind Kejriwal due to the ongoing elections.

Whether Kejriwal will be able to campaign in the remaining phases of the Lok Sabha polls will depend on the outcome of the proceedings.

Kejriwal, who was arrested on March 21, is currently lodged in Tihar Jail. On May 3, the apex court had indicated that it may consider granting interim bail to Kejriwal, taking into account the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

ASG SV Raju, representing the ED, initiated the argument and provided information about transactions worth 100 crores through hawala.

Justice Khanna inquired, “You mentioned that 100 crores is the income from crime, how did it escalate to 1100 crores? How did it reach Rs 1,100 crore in 2 or 3 years… This would imply an unprecedented rate of return.”

The lawyer for the ED stated in court that this case is not politically motivated, and they have substantial evidence to support their claims.