The Delhi High Court on Wednesday (Dec 18) refused to stay trial court proceedings against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan over his failure to appear before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a probe into alleged money laundering and irregularities in Delhi Waqf Board recruitment.
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NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court refused to stop the trial court proceedings against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan. The case involves allegations of money laundering and irregularities in the Delhi Waqf Board recruitment process.
The court dismissed Khan’s plea to pause the trial, following his non-appearance before the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Khan’s appeal, challenging the trial court’s summons, was met with opposition from the ED.
Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri reviewed the case and called for trial court records, setting the next hearing date for February 6, 2025.
The case centers on accusations that Khan violated recruitment laws during his tenure as chairman of the Delhi Waqf Board. Allegations also include irregularities in property transactions linked to the Board. Initially, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) registered a case, leading to the ED’s involvement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Khan was arrested on September 2 after both the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court rejected his anticipatory bail plea. Subsequently, he challenged the legality of his arrest and detention in the High Court.
The ED launched its money laundering probe based on a case filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). During the investigation, the ED issued multiple summons for Khan to appear, but he failed to comply. Instead, Khan sent written replies, citing his personal and official commitments.
The ED accused Khan of deliberately ignoring the summons and avoiding participation in the investigation. Consequently, the ED lodged a complaint with a Delhi magistrate.
The magistrate took action under Section 174 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which deals with imprisonment for failing to obey summons from a public servant. Khan challenged this order in a revision court, which upheld the magistrate’s decision. The revision court also stated that Khan could face additional action under Section 63 of the PMLA. Khan then escalated the matter to the High Court.
Last month, a trial court ordered Khan’s release from judicial custody. The court cited procedural issues, stating that no proper sanction had been obtained to prosecute Khan, as he is a public servant.
CASE TITLE:
Amanatullah Khan vs. Directorate of Enforcement.
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