Delhi Court Denies Stay, Arvind Kejriwal Faces Refusal On ED Summons For Money Laundering Case
The ED alleges that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) received kickbacks amounting to ₹100 crore to finalize the excise policy, with a significant portion allegedly diverted to fund the party's election campaign in Goa.
The sessions court at Delhi's Rouse Avenue declined to halt the summonses directed at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). These summonses are tied to a money laundering investigation linked to the Delhi excise policy. Additional Sessions Judge Rakesh Syal advised Kejriwal to seek exemption from the probe agency through the metropolitan magistrate, rebuffing his challenge against Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Divya Malhotra's order to appear on March 16.
The ED has filed two complaints in the magisterial court, seeking Kejriwal's prosecution for repeatedly ignoring summonses. They seek to record his statement regarding the excise policy and bribery allegations. Despite being summoned on multiple occasions last year, including March 4, February 26, and January 3, Kejriwal has yet to comply.
The excise policy, launched by Kejriwal's government in 2021-22, aimed to revitalize Delhi's liquor trade by replacing the sales-volume-based system with a fixed license fee for traders. However, it was scrapped following a demand for a CBI inquiry by Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, citing irregularities.
The ED alleges that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) received kickbacks amounting to ₹100 crore to finalize the excise policy, with a significant portion allegedly diverted to fund the party's election campaign in Goa. The agency's charge sheet implicates a 'South Group' in these irregularities.
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The ED has already apprehended two senior AAP figures: former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in February last year and Sanjay Singh in October. These arrests underscore the gravity of the agency's investigation into alleged financial misconduct.
The sessions court's refusal to halt the summonses indicates a continuation of legal proceedings against Kejriwal. He remains embroiled in this legal battle amidst mounting accusations and investigations into his administration's conduct concerning the contentious excise policy. The developments signify ongoing challenges for Kejriwal's leadership amid legal scrutiny.
