Arvind Kejriwal Arrest News Live Updates:
Arvind Kejriwal, the prominent figurehead of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the serving Chief Minister of Delhi, faced a significant blow as he was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) late Thursday night. The arrest, stemming from his alleged involvement in the Delhi excise policy case, marks a historic moment as Kejriwal becomes the first sitting Chief Minister to be apprehended in such circumstances.
The events leading to Kejriwal’s arrest unfolded against a backdrop of legal skirmishes. Despite skipping eight previous summons from the ED, Kejriwal’s ninth summons led to his arrest. Prior to this, he had sought legal recourse, filing a plea in the Delhi High Court to restrain the ED from taking coercive actions against him. However, the court, while deferring the hearing to April 22, did not provide immediate relief to Kejriwal.
The arrest triggered immediate responses from various quarters. AAP supporters took to the streets in protest, decrying what they perceived as unjust treatment by the ED. Concurrently, opposition parties voiced their condemnation of the ED’s actions, signaling a broader political ripple effect.
In a bid to challenge Kejriwal’s arrest, AAP escalated the matter to the Supreme Court, seeking an urgent hearing. However, the court declined to convene a midnight session. Undeterred, AAP called upon its members to gather for a protest outside the party headquarters in Delhi’s ITO on Friday, with plans for nationwide demonstrations targeting the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The unfolding saga also raises constitutional questions as AAP asserts its leader’s continued governance from behind bars. This assertion sets the stage for a potential constitutional crisis, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the situation.
As the nation watches, the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal not only sends shockwaves through the political landscape but also underscores the complex interplay between law, governance, and public sentiment.
QUICK RECAP
- Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on the evening of Thursday, March 21, in connection with the liquor excise policy case.
- The arrest followed the rejection of Kejriwal’s plea for protection from “coercive action” by the Delhi High Court, just hours prior.
- Shortly after Kejriwal’s arrest, Atishi, a leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), announced that the party had approached the Supreme Court to challenge his detention.
- Leaders and Chief Ministers from the INDIA bloc condemned Kejriwal’s arrest.
- The ED had issued more than 9 summons to Kejriwal for questioning regarding the excise policy case, all of which he reportedly skipped.
- Kejriwal’s arrest marks the third instance of a high-profile AAP leader being apprehended in connection with the excise policy case, following Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh.
- In response to the arrest, AAP has called for nationwide protests.