New Delhi : Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, has lodged a new plea in the Delhi High Court, seeking safeguard against any coercive measures in connection with the Excise policy case. The Division bench, headed by Justice Suresh Kumar Kait, is scheduled to deliberate on the matter today. This move comes as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Kejriwal nine times in the Excise case.
During the preceding hearing at the Delhi High Court, Kejriwal’s legal representatives expressed concerns about potential arrest by the ED and affirmed his willingness to appear if assured of protection.
In response to the ED’s latest summons, requiring Kejriwal’s appearance on March 21, 2024, the court sought the agency’s reply to a plea filed by the Delhi Chief Minister contesting the summonses issued to him regarding the Delhi excise policy case.
During the court session, the bench queried Kejriwal’s lawyers about his non-appearance before the Enforcement Directorate. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, cited the arrests of AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh by the agency, expressing apprehension about a similar fate for Kejriwal.
Kejriwal’s plea challenges Section 2(s) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), asserting it to be ultra vires, unconstitutional, and arbitrary, particularly in its interpretation encompassing political parties. He contends that this arbitrary application of the PMLA aims to skew the electoral process, favoring the ruling party at the Centre, especially concerning the impending general elections.
The plea further alleges that the ED, under the government’s control, has weaponized the PMLA to coerce political changes, particularly targeting opposition leaders like Kejriwal.
Kejriwal asserts that the summons issued to him on February 26, 2024, and March 16, 2024, were with the ulterior motive of his arrest, despite the ongoing investigation spanning over a year and a half, with extensive prosecution complaints and documentation already filed.
Previously, Kejriwal was granted bail by the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate of Rouse Avenue Court in two complaints filed by the ED for non-compliance with summons. Notably, Kejriwal appeared physically before the court during the hearing.
The ED’s interest in Kejriwal pertains to issues surrounding the formulation of the excise policy, pre-policy meetings, and allegations of bribery. This scrutiny follows the agency’s sixth charge sheet in the case, implicating AAP leader Sanjay Singh and his associate Sarvesh Mishra, alleging misappropriation of kickbacks for the party’s Goa assembly elections campaign.
The contentious excise policy, aimed at rejuvenating the liquor business in Delhi, was subjected to investigation following allegations of irregularities. Two prominent AAP leaders, Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, are currently in judicial custody in connection with the case.
The developments underscore a broader legal and political tussle surrounding the Excise policy case, with implications for both governance and electoral dynamics in Delhi.
