Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena has given approval to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to prosecute AAP leader and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case. The sanction was granted after the ED formally requested it on December 5, 2024. The case centers on allegations of irregularities and illegal payments related to the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22.
New Delhi: Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena approved the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) request to prosecute Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the alleged excise policy scam.
Before the 2025 Delhi Assembly Elections, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena allowed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to take legal action against Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case.
The LG’s office confirmed that the approval was given after the ED formally requested it on December 5, 2024.
This decision follows months of investigations into the Delhi government’s excise policy, which has faced controversy and corruption allegations. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court gave the Enforcement Directorate (ED) more time to respond to a petition from Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia. This petition challenges the trial court’s acceptance of the charges against them in the Delhi Excise Liquor Policy case.
The hearing is set for February 5, with Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri presiding.
The Delhi High Court also issued a notice regarding the plea from AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, contesting the trial court’s decision to accept the ED’s chargesheet related to the alleged excise policy scam. Both Kejriwal and Sisodia are currently out on bail in cases involving the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) linked to the now-repealed excise policy.
According to the ED, the Excise Policy intentionally created with loopholes to benefit AAP leaders and promote cartel formation. The ED claims that AAP leaders received kickbacks from liquor businesses in exchange for preferential treatment, such as discounts, waivers on license fees, and support during the Covid-19 pandemic. The agency further alleged that the “scam” involved granting wholesale liquor distribution rights to private companies with a fixed 12% profit margin, in return for a 6% Illegal payment.
Additionally, AAP leaders were accused of trying to influence elections in Punjab and Goa in early 2022.
The excise policy controversy centers on allegations of irregularities surrounding the now-repealed Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22. This policy, introduced by the Delhi government, aimed to privatize the liquor market in the capital, promising enhanced transparency and increased revenue.
However, it faced criticism after claims emerged regarding improper financial benefits provided to specific liquor licensees during its execution.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched investigations, alleging that the policy was manipulated to favor certain companies in return for kickbacks, which were allegedly used for political financing.
Several leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), including Delhi’s Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, have been implicated in the case. Sisodia was arrested earlier this year and is currently in custody.
The ED is investigating money laundering allegations tied to the case, while the CBI is investigating corruption claims. Although Kejriwal was not initially accused, he has been scrutinized for his involvement in approving the policy.
The sanction for prosecution against Kejriwal remarks a new chapter in the ongoing case, escalating political tensions. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has persistently denied any misconduct, claiming that the investigation is driven by political motives. With Kejriwal potentially facing legal action, this development is poised to impact the political dynamics in Delhi and potentially beyond.
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