Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has approached the Delhi High Court, challenging the series of summonses issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the controversial Delhi excise policy case. The Delhi High Court’s division bench is scheduled to hear Kejriwal’s plea on Wednesday.
On Tuesday Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has approached the Delhi High Court, challenging the series of summonses issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the controversial Delhi excise policy case. This development marks a new chapter in the ongoing legal tussle surrounding the alleged irregularities in the Delhi Excise Policy for the fiscal year 2021-22.
The ED’s investigation, which stems from a money laundering probe initiated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on August 17, 2022, has put several AAP leaders, including former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, under scrutiny. The case was registered following a complaint by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on July 20, 2022, alleging a criminal conspiracy during the policy’s formulation, purportedly to benefit certain licensees and conspirators post-tender.
Kejriwal’s legal challenge comes in the wake of the ED’s ninth summons for him to appear for questioning on March 21. This latest summons is part of the ED’s persistent efforts to interrogate him regarding the excise policy-linked money laundering allegations. Notably, this follows a pattern of non-compliance by Kejriwal, who, according to the ED, failed to respond to six out of eight previous summonses, leading to a bail granted by a Delhi court amidst complaints filed by the ED.
The Delhi High Court’s division bench is scheduled to hear Kejriwal’s plea on Wednesday, setting the stage for a crucial judicial review of the summonses. The plea represents Kejriwal’s attempt to seek relief from the continuous legal pressure exerted by the central agency, highlighting the deepening rift between the Delhi government and central law enforcement bodies.
This legal wrangle has captured the public’s attention, as it involves high-profile political figures and allegations of corruption and malpractice in the formulation of a key policy. The outcome of this legal challenge could have significant implications for the political landscape in Delhi and the ongoing investigations into the excise policy case.
As the Delhi High Court prepares to hear the case, all eyes are on the potential legal and political ramifications of this high-stakes battle. The court’s decision could influence the trajectory of the ED’s investigation and offer a new perspective on the accountability and legal challenges faced by elected officials in India.
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