<p>India's Vice President Jadgeep Dhankhar said that the country does not need lessons from anybody in the world on the rule of law to assert that the world's largest democracy is a unique one as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Vice President of India, who is the deputy to the head of the state, that is the president of India Droupadi Murmu, made these comments in the wake of remarks by Berlin, Washington DC, and the United Nations concerning the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The representatives of the United States and the United Nations&nbsp;also asked about the frozen bank accounts of the Indian National Congress.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Arvind Kejriwal Arrest: India slams US' remarks on Kejriwal's arrest</strong></p>

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<p>The Vice President said, "India is a democracy with a robust judicial system. This can't be compromised by any individual or any group. India does not need lessons from anyone on rule of law", NDTV reported.</p>

<p>Dhankhar also laid emphasis on "equality before law", adding that "it is the new norm" in India.</p>

<p>In an indirect reference to Aam Aadmi Party's planned rally against Arvind Kejriwal's arrest, which will also be attended by several leaders from Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A.) bloc leaders, Dhankhar said: "But what do we see? The moment the law takes its course, they take to the streets, high-decibel debates, camouflaging culpability of the worst nature by human rights. This is happening under our nose."</p>

<p>"What is the justification for a person or an institution or an organisation to take to the streets when the law is set in motion?"</p>

<p>Dhankhar's comments came during the 70th Founders' Day celebrations of the Indian Institute of Public Administration.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hope-everyones-rights-are-protected-un-reacts-to-delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwals-arrest-705495">'Hope everyone's rights are protected...': UN reacts to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's arrest</a></strong></p>

<p>"Corruption is not a passage to opportunity, employment or a contract anymore. It is a passage to jail... Can you go on a high moral ground that the corrupt must not be dealt with because it is a festive season or it is farming season? How can there be any season to save those who are culpable," the Vice President said.</p>

<p>Following the remarks by the representatives from Washington and Berlin, New Delhi had summoned their envoys. India denounced the comments as "unwarranted", "biased" and "unacceptable".</p>

<p><em>(WIth inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's Vice President Jadgeep Dhankhar said that the country does not need lessons from anybody in the world on the rule of law to assert that the world's largest democracy is a unique one as well.

India's Vice President Jadgeep Dhankhar said that the country does not need lessons from anybody in the world on the rule of law to assert that the world's largest democracy is a unique one as well. The Vice President of India, who is the deputy to the head of the state, that is the president of India Droupadi Murmu, made these comments in the wake of remarks by Berlin, Washington DC, and the United Nations concerning the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The representatives of the United States and the United Nations also asked about the frozen bank accounts of the Indian National Congress. Also watch | Arvind Kejriwal Arrest: India slams US' remarks on Kejriwal's arrest × The Vice President said, "India is a democracy with a robust judicial system. This can't be compromised by any individual or any group. India does not need lessons from anyone on rule of law", NDTV reported. Dhankhar also laid emphasis on "equality before law", adding that "it is the new norm" in India. In an indirect reference to Aam Aadmi Party's planned rally against Arvind Kejriwal's arrest, which will also be attended by several leaders from Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A.) bloc leaders, Dhankhar said: "But what do we see? The moment the law takes its course, they take to the streets, high-decibel debates, camouflaging culpability of the worst nature by human rights. This is happening under our nose." "What is the justification for a person or an institution or an organisation to take to the streets when the law is set in motion?" Dhankhar's comments came during the 70th Founders' Day celebrations of the Indian Institute of Public Administration. Also read | 'Hope everyone's rights are protected...': UN reacts to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's arrest "Corruption is not a passage to opportunity, employment or a contract anymore. It is a passage to jail... Can you go on a high moral ground that the corrupt must not be dealt with because it is a festive season or it is farming season? How can there be any season to save those who are culpable," the Vice President said. Following the remarks by the representatives from Washington and Berlin, New Delhi had summoned their envoys. India denounced the comments as "unwarranted", "biased" and "unacceptable". (WIth inputs from agencies)

'Corruption a passage to jail': VP Dhankhar's indirect swipe at US, Germany's remarks on Kejriwal's arrest

A political storm is brewing in India's capital, New Delhi, Kalpana Soren - the wife of the former Jharkhand CM - who's at this moment in judicial custody met with the wife of the Delhi Chief Minister - Arvind Kejriwal.

Ex-Jharkhand CM's wife Kalpana Soren extends solidarity with Sunita Kejriwal

<p>The Delhi High Court is scheduled to convene on Wednesday (Mar&nbsp;27)&nbsp;to address a petition filed by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Kejriwal seeks his immediate release in connection with a money-laundering case linked to the alleged excise policy scam.</p>

<p>Kejriwal's petition, asserting the illegality of his arrest and subsequent detention by the ED, is set for hearing before Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma at 10:30 am. The ED detained the Delhi chief minister shortly after the high court declined to shield him from coercive measures by the federal anti-money laundering agency. Following this, a trial court remanded Kejriwal in the ED's custody until March 28.</p>

<h2><strong>Allegations and legal actions</strong></h2>

<p>Previously, Kejriwal had approached the high court to annul all proceedings, including summonses, issued against him. He faces accusations of corruption and money laundering related to the formulation and implementation of Delhi's excise policy for 2021-22, subsequently revoked. Notably, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)&nbsp;leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh are under judicial custody in the same case.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/excise-police-case-what-are-the-options-available-for-arrested-delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-702825">Also read |&nbsp;Excise policy case: What are the options available for arrested Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal?</a></p>

<p>The ED's allegations assert that the accused collaborated with Kejriwal in devising the excise policy, which allegedly provided undue advantages to them in exchange for kickbacks to the AAP.</p>

<p>The arrest sparked political turmoil, with AAP leaders and supporters attempting to march towards the Prime Minister's residence. Conversely, the BJP staged counter-protests, demanding Kejriwal's resignation.</p>

<p>Despite being in ED custody, Kejriwal issued directives to Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj to address medicine and diagnostic test shortages at mohalla clinics and hospitals in the city. This marks the second directive issued by the chief minister while in ED custody.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Arvind Kejriwal Arrest: Delhi court to hear Arvind Kejriwal's plea challenging arrest</strong></p>

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<p>Security measures have been intensified across the national capital, with police deployments around key locations. Approximately 100 people, including AAP leaders and Punjab minister Harjot Singh Bains, were detained during the protests, only to be later released. The BJP also staged protests near Delhi Secretariat, resulting in detentions and the use of water cannons by police to disperse the crowd.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Delhi High Court is scheduled to convene on Wednesday (Mar 27) to address a petition filed by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The Delhi High Court is scheduled to convene on Wednesday (Mar 27) to address a petition filed by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Kejriwal seeks his immediate release in connection with a money-laundering case linked to the alleged excise policy scam. Kejriwal's petition, asserting the illegality of his arrest and subsequent detention by the ED, is set for hearing before Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma at 10:30 am. The ED detained the Delhi chief minister shortly after the high court declined to shield him from coercive measures by the federal anti-money laundering agency. Following this, a trial court remanded Kejriwal in the ED's custody until March 28. Allegations and legal actions Previously, Kejriwal had approached the high court to annul all proceedings, including summonses, issued against him. He faces accusations of corruption and money laundering related to the formulation and implementation of Delhi's excise policy for 2021-22, subsequently revoked. Notably, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh are under judicial custody in the same case. Also read | Excise policy case: What are the options available for arrested Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal? The ED's allegations assert that the accused collaborated with Kejriwal in devising the excise policy, which allegedly provided undue advantages to them in exchange for kickbacks to the AAP. The arrest sparked political turmoil, with AAP leaders and supporters attempting to march towards the Prime Minister's residence. Conversely, the BJP staged counter-protests, demanding Kejriwal's resignation. Despite being in ED custody, Kejriwal issued directives to Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj to address medicine and diagnostic test shortages at mohalla clinics and hospitals in the city. This marks the second directive issued by the chief minister while in ED custody. Also watch | Arvind Kejriwal Arrest: Delhi court to hear Arvind Kejriwal's plea challenging arrest Security measures have been intensified across the national capital, with police deployments around key locations. Approximately 100 people, including AAP leaders and Punjab minister Harjot Singh Bains, were detained during the protests, only to be later released. The BJP also staged protests near Delhi Secretariat, resulting in detentions and the use of water cannons by police to disperse the crowd. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi High Court to hear Arvind Kejriwal’s plea against his arrest

India has launched a former complaint to the US over the State Department's latest remarks regarding the Delhi Chief Minister's arrest. Earlier today New Delhi summoned US' acting Deputy Chief of mission Gloria Berbena to the ministry of External Affairs. Watch to know more!

Arvind Kejriwal Arrest: India slams US' remarks on Kejriwal's arrest

<p>The matter regarding the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) will now be heard&nbsp;in the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court as officials seek his custody for further interrogation. Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party on Friday withdrew its&nbsp;plea in the Supreme Court against ED arrest as the party has decided to move to lower courts first.</p>

<p>ED’s action against Kejriwal came after the Delhi High Court refused to grant him any protection in regard to the coercive action against him in the excise policy case.</p>

<p>The ED is pursuing Kejriwal in two cases, 1) Delhi liquor excise policy case, and 2) Another case related to alleged kickbacks in a Delhi Jal Board contract to a private firm. The federal agency has so far issued nine summons to the Delhi CM in the cases, all of which have been skipped by Kejriwal. The ED had issued the latest summons for Mar 21.</p>

<h2><strong>AAP mobilising people</strong></h2>

<p>Following the arrest of their leader, AAP workers and legislators are likely to hold massive protests around Delhi against what they say is ‘dictatorship.’ AAP leaders chalked out the strategy for protests late Thursday and declared the people of Delhi “will be out on the roads”.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Arvind Kejriwal ED update: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal to be presented before court</strong></p>

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<p>“Narendra Modi has started the fight and we will finish it… everyone should be prepared to protest tomorrow,” said AAP’s Delhi unit chief Gopal Rai.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwin9a6Zz4aFAxU_T2wGHRkYARQQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/excise-police-case-what-are-the-options-available-for-arrested-delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-702825" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/excise-police-case-what-are-the-options-available-for-arrested-delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-702825&amp;ved=2ahUKEwin9a6Zz4aFAxU_T2wGHRkYARQQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">Excise policy case: What are the options available for arrested Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal?</a></strong></p>

<p>Several small local protests are also being planned across the city. “Smaller local protests are also being planned but for now, the focus will be on the party office on Friday,” a party leader was quoted as saying by Indian Express.</p>

<p>Rai said that AAP workers will start assembling at ITO at 10 am. He also declared that the people of the nation will protest outside the offices of the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) across the nation.</p>

<h2><strong>Security beefed up</strong></h2>

<p>Authorities in Delhi have beefed up the security measures, with Delhi police and paramilitary forces such as Rapid Action Force (RAF) deployed outside Kejriwal’s residence to control the crowd.</p>

<p>On Thursday evening, as soon as the ED arrived at the CM’s residence in Civil Lines, senior party leaders Atishi, Durgesh Pathak, MLA Sanjeev Jha, Imran Hussain, Rakhi Bidlan, Jarnail Singh, Rohit Mehraulia and scores of party workers and supporters gathered outside.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The matter regarding the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) will now be heard in the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court as officials seek his custody for further interrogation.

The matter regarding the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) will now be heard in the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court as officials seek his custody for further interrogation. Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party on Friday withdrew its plea in the Supreme Court against ED arrest as the party has decided to move to lower courts first. ED’s action against Kejriwal came after the Delhi High Court refused to grant him any protection in regard to the coercive action against him in the excise policy case. The ED is pursuing Kejriwal in two cases, 1) Delhi liquor excise policy case, and 2) Another case related to alleged kickbacks in a Delhi Jal Board contract to a private firm. The federal agency has so far issued nine summons to the Delhi CM in the cases, all of which have been skipped by Kejriwal. The ED had issued the latest summons for Mar 21. AAP mobilising people Following the arrest of their leader, AAP workers and legislators are likely to hold massive protests around Delhi against what they say is ‘dictatorship.’ AAP leaders chalked out the strategy for protests late Thursday and declared the people of Delhi “will be out on the roads”. Watch: Arvind Kejriwal ED update: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal to be presented before court × “Narendra Modi has started the fight and we will finish it… everyone should be prepared to protest tomorrow,” said AAP’s Delhi unit chief Gopal Rai. Also read: Excise policy case: What are the options available for arrested Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal? Several small local protests are also being planned across the city. “Smaller local protests are also being planned but for now, the focus will be on the party office on Friday,” a party leader was quoted as saying by Indian Express. Rai said that AAP workers will start assembling at ITO at 10 am. He also declared that the people of the nation will protest outside the offices of the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) across the nation. Security beefed up Authorities in Delhi have beefed up the security measures, with Delhi police and paramilitary forces such as Rapid Action Force (RAF) deployed outside Kejriwal’s residence to control the crowd. On Thursday evening, as soon as the ED arrived at the CM’s residence in Civil Lines, senior party leaders Atishi, Durgesh Pathak, MLA Sanjeev Jha, Imran Hussain, Rakhi Bidlan, Jarnail Singh, Rohit Mehraulia and scores of party workers and supporters gathered outside. (With inputs from agencies)

Kejriwal arrest: AAP withdraws plea in SC against ED arrest, will move to lower courts

India's corruption watchdog has demanded for a 10 day custody of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal after he was presented in Rouse Avenue court, Delhi. The Delhi CM was arrested last night from his residence in connection with the Excise Policy Scam...Watch in for more details!

Kejriwal Arrest: BJP trying to weaken opposition ahead of national polls: Congress

Kejriwal Arrest: Kejriwal won't quit, will remain CM: AAP | Delhi Excise Policy Scam

Arvind Kejriwal Arrest: Kejriwal 'kingpin & key conspirator' in Delhi liquor policy scam: ED

<p>Enforcement Directorate (ED) team on Thursday (Mar 21) evening arrested&nbsp;Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal&nbsp;from his residence.&nbsp;Around 11:00 pm (IST), the officials took the Delhi chief minister to ED Headquarters after hours of questioning in the alleged excise policy scam, where he spent the night.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kejriwal's medical test was conducted at the ED office, media reports said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ED is pursuing Kejriwal in two cases, 1) Delhi liquor excise policy case, and 2) Another case related to alleged kickbacks in a Delhi Jal Board contract to a private firm.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-poll-body-directs-central-government-to-halt-viksit-bharat-messages-on-whatsapp-702709">Indian poll body directs central government to halt 'Viksit Bharat' messages on WhatsApp</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>While speaking outside the chief minister's residence, AAP leader Atishi said, "We have received news that ED has arrested Arvind Kejriwal."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have always said that Arvind Kejriwal will run the govt from jail. He will remain the CM of Delhi. We have filed a case in the Supreme Court. Our lawyers are reaching SC. We will demand SC have an urgent hearing tonight," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports emerged that Kejriwal's legal team moved the Supreme Court but as quoted by the news agency PTI, his lawyer and senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi said that the Delhi CM will not seek an urgent hearing on his plea for protection in SC tonight. &nbsp;</p>

<p>It is expected that India's top court will hear a plea on Friday (Mar 22).&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Enforcement Directorate team takes Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal to ED Headquarters.<br />
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He was arrested by ED in the Excice Policy Case. <a href="https://t.co/WPkB1ciIBD">pic.twitter.com/WPkB1ciIBD</a></p>
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<p>This comes hours after the Delhi High Court denied the AAP&nbsp;chief relief against the agency's summons in an excise policy case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Delhi High Court bench of Justices Suresh Kumar Kait and Manoj Jain refused to grant Kejriwal any protection from coercive action in the case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the hearing, Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who appeared for Kejriwal, submitted that the summons issued under Section 50 do not even reveal whether the person summoned is a witness, suspect or accused.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said his client has apprehension that he would be arrested "for political purposes" as it has come&nbsp;just days ahead of the Lok Sabha election in India.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sbi-submits-all-electoral-bond-details-with-unique-numbers-to-election-commission-702653">Electoral bonds: SBI submits complete details with unique numbers to India's Election Commission</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Last week, the ED issued a summon to Kejriwal, asking him to appear before it on Thursday. The law enforcement agency issued a total of nine summon dates to Kejriwal, which were on November 2, December 22, January 3, January 18, February 2, February 19, February 26, March 4 and March 21.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The officials said the agency team went to the chief minister's residence to serve him summons in the case. The team also informed the staff at the chief minister's residence that it had a search warrant.&nbsp;</p>

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<h2><strong>What is the case all about?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The case pertains to alleged corruption and money laundering in formulating and executing the Delhi government's excise policy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Delhi government had implemented the policy on November 17, 2021. It was, however, scrapped at the end of September 2022 amid allegations of corruption.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the investigating agencies, the profit margins of wholesalers were increased from 5 per cent to 12 per cent under the new policy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The agencies have alleged that the new policy resulted in cartelisation and those ineligible for liquor licences were favoured for monetary benefits.&nbsp;</p>

<p>AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh are in judicial custody in the case.&nbsp;Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) lawmaker K&nbsp;Kavitha was also arrested recently.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the Delhi government has denied any wrongdoing and said the new policy would have led to an increase in Delhi's revenue share.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Enforcement Directorate (ED) team on Thursday (Mar 21) evening arrested Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal from his residence. Around 11:00 pm (IST), the officials took the Delhi chief minister to ED Headquarters after hours of questioning in the alleged excise policy scam, where he spent the night.

Enforcement Directorate (ED) team on Thursday (Mar 21) evening arrested Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal from his residence. Around 11:00 pm (IST), the officials took the Delhi chief minister to ED Headquarters after hours of questioning in the alleged excise policy scam, where he spent the night. Kejriwal's medical test was conducted at the ED office, media reports said. The ED is pursuing Kejriwal in two cases, 1) Delhi liquor excise policy case, and 2) Another case related to alleged kickbacks in a Delhi Jal Board contract to a private firm. Also read: Indian poll body directs central government to halt 'Viksit Bharat' messages on WhatsApp While speaking outside the chief minister's residence, AAP leader Atishi said, "We have received news that ED has arrested Arvind Kejriwal." "We have always said that Arvind Kejriwal will run the govt from jail. He will remain the CM of Delhi. We have filed a case in the Supreme Court. Our lawyers are reaching SC. We will demand SC have an urgent hearing tonight," she added. Reports emerged that Kejriwal's legal team moved the Supreme Court but as quoted by the news agency PTI, his lawyer and senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi said that the Delhi CM will not seek an urgent hearing on his plea for protection in SC tonight. It is expected that India's top court will hear a plea on Friday (Mar 22). #WATCH | Enforcement Directorate team takes Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal to ED Headquarters. He was arrested by ED in the Excice Policy Case. pic.twitter.com/WPkB1ciIBD — ANI (@ANI) March 21, 2024 × This comes hours after the Delhi High Court denied the AAP chief relief against the agency's summons in an excise policy case. A Delhi High Court bench of Justices Suresh Kumar Kait and Manoj Jain refused to grant Kejriwal any protection from coercive action in the case. During the hearing, Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who appeared for Kejriwal, submitted that the summons issued under Section 50 do not even reveal whether the person summoned is a witness, suspect or accused. He said his client has apprehension that he would be arrested "for political purposes" as it has come just days ahead of the Lok Sabha election in India. Also read: Electoral bonds: SBI submits complete details with unique numbers to India's Election Commission Last week, the ED issued a summon to Kejriwal, asking him to appear before it on Thursday. The law enforcement agency issued a total of nine summon dates to Kejriwal, which were on November 2, December 22, January 3, January 18, February 2, February 19, February 26, March 4 and March 21. The officials said the agency team went to the chief minister's residence to serve him summons in the case. The team also informed the staff at the chief minister's residence that it had a search warrant. #WATCH | Enforcement Directorate team reaches Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's residence for questioning: ED pic.twitter.com/kMiyVD6vhf — ANI (@ANI) March 21, 2024 × What is the case all about? The case pertains to alleged corruption and money laundering in formulating and executing the Delhi government's excise policy. The Delhi government had implemented the policy on November 17, 2021. It was, however, scrapped at the end of September 2022 amid allegations of corruption. According to the investigating agencies, the profit margins of wholesalers were increased from 5 per cent to 12 per cent under the new policy. The agencies have alleged that the new policy resulted in cartelisation and those ineligible for liquor licences were favoured for monetary benefits. AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh are in judicial custody in the case. Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) lawmaker K Kavitha was also arrested recently. However, the Delhi government has denied any wrongdoing and said the new policy would have led to an increase in Delhi's revenue share. (With inputs from agencies)

Excise Policy Case: Delhi CM Kejriwal spends night at ED office after arrest