Today(on 30th May), Delhi court seeks Enforcement Directorate’s response to Arvind Kejriwal’s bail plea in money laundering case related to Delhi’s excise policy, hearing set for June 1.
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DELHI: Today(on 30th May), Delhi court has directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to respond to the bail plea filed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the high-profile money laundering case linked to the Delhi excise policy. Judge Kaveri Baweja presided over the proceedings at the Rouse Avenue court, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.
During today’s hearing, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) articulated its intention to provide responses to Kejriwal’s plea, marking a pivotal moment in the legal confrontation. Acknowledging the ED’s stance, the Court authorized the submission of replies and slated the subsequent hearing for June 1st.
Kejriwal has submitted two distinct petitions to the court. The initial petition focuses on securing regular bail concerning the accusations made by the Enforcement Directorate regarding the Delhi excise policy scandal. Furthermore, a second petition requests interim bail based on medical reasons, highlighting the health issues confronting the Delhi Chief Minister during the legal process.
During today’s court session, notices were issued for both petitions, signifying a significant juncture in the ongoing legal narrative. Kejriwal’s apprehension by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21 sent shockwaves through the political arena, igniting fervent examination and discourse. The accusations leveled against him imply his complicity in an alleged scheme designed to exploit weaknesses in the former Delhi Excise Policy for 2021-22, purportedly for the advantage of select liquor vendors.
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Furthermore, damning allegations indicate that the kickbacks obtained from liquor vendors were channeled into funding the electoral campaign of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Goa. This revelation adds another layer of complexity to the legal intricacies surrounding the case. The intersection of political dynamics with accusations of financial wrongdoing highlights the importance of the legal dispute, with ramifications that transcend individual responsibility to encompass broader inquiries into governance and accountability.
“Kejriwal has counter-accused the ED of running an extortion racket,”
-stated sources close to the Chief Minister.
The matter deepened as other prominent leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) found themselves embroiled in the same case. Among them are former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia, and Member of Parliament Sanjay Singh, who is currently out on bail. Their involvement adds complexity to the ongoing investigation into alleged financial irregularities.
Despite the mounting legal challenges, Kejriwal’s commitment to his political responsibilities remained steadfast. He endured incarceration until May 10, when the Supreme Court granted him interim bail. This respite allowed Kejriwal to resume campaigning for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, a crucial period for political engagement.
“The interim order was passed on a plea filed by Kejriwal challenging his arrest and remand by the ED,”
-clarified legal experts familiar with the case.
Seeking further relief, Kejriwal filed a plea before the Supreme Court requesting an extension of his interim bail on medical grounds. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court registrar declined to list the matter, adding another layer of complexity to the legal proceedings.
Meanwhile, the ED expanded its scope of investigation by implicating the AAP itself in the money laundering case. This development marked a significant escalation, drawing attention to the broader implications of the legal dispute.
Recently, the ED also made the AAP an accused in the money laundering case registered in the matter, revealed sources familiar with the investigation. The inclusion of the political party adds a new dimension to the case, raising questions about potential systemic issues beyond individual culpability.
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The ED also implicated the Aam Aadmi Party as an accused in the money laundering case. Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV Raju announced plans to file replies for both the interim and main bail applications while also challenging the maintainability of Kejriwal’s plea.
The court has set the hearing for June 1 at 2 pm.
