Today(on 20th April),AAP MLA Amanat Ullah Khan summoned to Rouse Avenue Court via video conference by ED over non-compliance with multiple summons.
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DELHI: Today(on 20th April), Amanat Ullah Khan, a prominent MLA from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), was summoned to appear via video conferencing before the Rouse Avenue Court. This action comes in the wake of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filing a complaint against Khan for his failure to comply with multiple summons issued by the agency.
The case, poised for scrutiny on April 27.
The ED’s investigation into alleged money laundering activities connected to the Delhi Waqf Board. Amanat Ullah Khan found himself in legal hot water when the ED issued seven summons to him, which he reportedly ignored.
On April 5, the Enforcement Directorate escalated the situation by filing a complaint under section 174 of the IPC, 1860, combined with section 63 (4) of the PMLA, 2002, highlighting the serious offence of non-compliance with Section 50, PMLA, 2002.
ALSO READ: [Delhi Waqf Board Case] SC Rejects AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan’s Anticipatory Bail Plea
The Delhi High Court, earlier on March 11, had dismissed Khan’s anticipatory bail plea, setting the stage for a Supreme Court directive that compelled Khan to present himself before the ED. However, Khan’s repeated non-appearance has drawn sharp criticism and legal scrutiny, with Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Benjamin articulating the agency’s determination not to withdraw the complaint.
“The complaint was filed due to his failure to comply with the summons, constituting an offense.”
– SPP Benjamin asserted, urging the court to mandate Khan’s physical appearance.
Amid these developments, Advocate Rajat Bhardwaj, representing Khan, defended his client’s actions, citing adherence to Supreme Court directives and contending that all summons were part of the plea before the apex court.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma of the Delhi High Court dismissed Khan’s anticipatory bail plea with stringent remarks, emphasizing the principle that public figures are not exempt from the law.
“All citizens, including lawmakers, must understand that disobeying the law carries legal consequences, as equality before the law applies to everyone.”
– Justice Sharma emphasized, adding, “This court cannot allow a new jurisprudence or a new set of rules.”
The case against Khan revolves around the alleged illegal purchase of a property worth Rs 36 crore in Okhla, an area Khan represents as an MLA. With allegations of Rs 100 crore worth of Waqf properties being leased illegally and the unauthorized appointment of 33 contractual employees to the Delhi Waqf Board under Khan’s chairmanship, the legal proceedings have garnered significant attention. The High Court’s observation that the AAP MLA avoided six summonses and the dubious nature of the property transaction have only added layers to this complex case.
“People also possess the right to be informed about the truth when investigations are conducted into their elected leaders, whom they have chosen to represent them.”
-remarked Justice Sharma.
ALSO READ: Delhi Waqf Board Case | ED Seeks Arrest Warrant for AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan
