Supreme Court Questions Arvind Kejriwal’s Failure to Seek Bail, His Response

Arvind Kejriwal was arrested without questioning or recording of his statement, which is required by the anti-money laundering law. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi stated that the power to arrest is not the same as the need to arrest, and guilt needs to be proven, not mere suspicion. Kejriwal challenged his arrest in the top court, arguing that it is illegal and unlawful.

Singhvi mentioned that they approached the Supreme Court because it has wider jurisdiction. The Enforcement Directorate arrested Kejriwal on March 21 after the Delhi High Court refused to grant him protection, and he is currently lodged in Tihar jail. His counsel argued that the court’s refusal to grant protection cannot be grounds for arrest.

Kejriwal condemned his arrest as politically motivated, stating that it was intended to provide unfair advantages to the ruling party during the ongoing general election. He accused the Central government of misusing investigative agencies to harass political opponents. The Enforcement Directorate argued that Kejriwal’s arrest became necessary due to his non-cooperative attitude, claiming that he avoided interrogation and was evasive and uncooperative in his statements.

The hearing will continue tomorrow.