On 07 Feb 2024, Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Divya Malhotra of the Rouse Avenue Courts in Delhi issued an order stating that she has taken cognizance of the complaint filed by the ED and is issuing summons to Arvind Kejriwal.
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NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is anticipated to make an appearance before a local court on Saturday (17 Feb 2024) regarding a complaint lodged by the ED against him for failing to comply with its summons in a money laundering case associated with the now-voided excise policy.
The court, summoning Kejriwal for February 17, observed on February 7 that prima facie, the AAP leader was obligated to adhere to the summons.
In its complaint, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has alleged that the Delhi chief minister intentionally did not want to obey the summons and kept on giving “lame excuses”. If a high-ranking public functionary like him disobeyed the law, it would
“set a wrong example for the common man i.e. the Aam Aadmi,”
-the agency said.
Delhi court issued summons to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, compelling his appearance on February 17 in relation to the contentious Delhi Excise Policy case. This move comes after Kejriwal reportedly opted not to respond to five separate summons from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) concerning the ongoing investigation into alleged financial irregularities.
The probe, spearheaded by the ED, delves into accusations of money laundering tied to the Delhi Excise Policy for the fiscal year 2021-22. The foundation of this investigation was laid by a case registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on August 17, 2022, following a complaint by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on July 20, 2022. The allegations suggest a complex web of criminal conspiracy involving leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), including former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, alongside various unidentified private individuals and entities.
Central to the controversy is the claim that AAP leaders orchestrated a conspiracy during the policy’s formulation stage, exploiting “intentionally” created loopholes to benefit certain licensees and conspirators after the tender process. The policy, which was meant to overhaul the capital’s liquor trade, has been scrutinized for purportedly facilitating “monopoly and cartelisation” among liquor manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers.
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According to the central agencies, kickbacks were allegedly routed through hawala channels by certain South Indian liquor business figures to AAP’s public servants, aiming to secure undue advantages under the new excise regime.
The issuance of summons to Kejriwal by the Delhi court marks a pivotal moment in the investigation, signaling the judiciary’s intent to thoroughly examine the allegations of financial misconduct and policy manipulation. This case not only underscores the intricate relationship between politics and business in the realm of public policy but also highlights the rigorous scrutiny public officials and policies undergo in the face of allegations of corruption.
As the February 17 court date approaches, the political and legal communities are keenly observing the developments, anticipating the potential implications for governance and policy-making in Delhi. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching consequences for the involved individuals and the operational dynamics of the Delhi government, particularly in terms of excise policy formulation and implementation.
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