Supreme Court to quickly consider Arvind Kejriwal's arrest appeal

PTC News Desk: The Supreme Court has agreed to urgently hear a plea filed by the legal team of arrested Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the alleged liquor policy case. Kejriwal's party, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has called for a nationwide protest against what they perceive as the BJP's "dictatorship" in response to his arrest. The AAP has also extended an invitation to the INDIA bloc to join the protest.

Arvind Kejriwal's arrest marks a significant event as he becomes the first sitting Chief Minister to be arrested. Sources report that Kejriwal experienced discomfort during his night in ED custody, prompting the agency to provide him with blankets and medicines brought by his family from home.

Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi is expected to mention Kejriwal's plea before the Supreme Court shortly. The arrest occurred on Thursday evening when the Enforcement Directorate questioned Kejriwal at his residence and subsequently conducted a search of his house. Following this, he was taken to the headquarters of the federal agency, where he remained overnight.

Here are the top developments in this big story:

1. Delhi minister and AAP leader Atishi expressed concerns about Arvind Kejriwal's safety and security, highlighting his status as a Z protectee. She accused the central government, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi, of attempting to suppress the opposition.

2. Gopal Rai, another AAP leader, claimed that Arvind Kejriwal's family had been placed under house arrest, making communication with them difficult. He initially stated that he was denied access to Kejriwal's family but later managed to meet them.

3. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi reportedly spoke to Arvind Kejriwal over the phone and planned to visit his residence to meet his family members. He assured them of his support amid the ongoing situation.

4. AAP's Delhi unit convenor Gopal Rai, along with Atishi and party MP Sandeep Pathak, held a midnight press briefing condemning Kejriwal's arrest as an attack on democracy and an assertion of dictatorship. They announced plans for a protest outside the BJP headquarters.

5. Gopal Rai invited everyone opposed to the BJP's alleged dictatorship to join the protest, emphasizing the need for Delhiites to unite against the ruling party's actions. Atishi assured support from members of the INDIA bloc.

6. Several opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Supriya Sule of NCP (SP), and Derek O'Brien of Trinamool Congress, criticized Arvind Kejriwal's arrest. Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of attempting to stifle democracy.

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7. The BJP responded by labeling Arvind Kejriwal a "thief" and released an old video where Kejriwal talks about facing consequences if accused of theft. BJP mocked Kejriwal's statement, suggesting his wish had come true with his arrest.

8. Delhi witnessed massive traffic jams as the police increased security measures and barricaded roads ahead of expected protests. The ITO metro station remained closed on the advice of the Delhi Police between 8 am and 6 pm.

Security was tightened around the BJP headquarters in anticipation of AAP leaders and workers protesting against Kejriwal's arrest.

9. AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj revealed that the ED had seized Rs 70,000 in cash during the search of Arvind Kejriwal's residence but returned the money later. Additionally, the mobile phones of Kejriwal and his family members were confiscated by officials.

10. Arvind Kejriwal's arrest followed the Delhi High Court's refusal to grant him interim protection from the Enforcement Directorate's summonses, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing legal battle.

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(Inpus from agencies)