Delhi High Court Seeks Response from ED on Arvind Kejriwal’s Plea

Delhi High Court Seeks Response from ED on Arvind Kejriwal's Plea

VoM News Desk | March 20, 2024 | 01:20 PM IST | Breaking News, Courts & Law, Delhi, India | Follow on Google News

Delhi High Court Seeks Response from ED on Arvind Kejriwal’s Plea

Delhi High Court Seeks Response from ED on Arvind Kejriwal’s Plea

The Delhi High Court has requested a response from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding a plea filed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal challenging multiple summons issued to him in the Excise policy case. The bench, comprising Justice Suresh Kumar Kait and Justice Manoj Jain, after hearing initial submissions from both sides, scheduled the matter for April 22, 2024. No formal notice was issued, as ED opposed it, citing the appearance of their lawyers before the court on advance notice.

Arguments and Counterarguments

During the hearing, the bench questioned Kejriwal’s lawyers about his failure to appear before the Enforcement Directorate despite the summons. Kejriwal’s counsel, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, mentioned the arrest of AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh by the agency and expressed concerns about a potential arrest of Kejriwal without protection. ED, represented by Additional Solicitor General SV Raju and Special Counsel Zoheb Hossain, opposed the plea on maintainability grounds.

Kejriwal’s Plea and Allegations

Kejriwal’s plea challenges the inclusion of political parties within the ambit of the PMLA and alleges misuse of investigative powers by ED to influence the political landscape in favor of the ruling party. He claims that the summons were issued with the intent to arrest him and disrupt the upcoming general elections. Kejriwal argues that the investigation has been ongoing for over a year and a half, and all relevant documents are already in ED’s possession, rendering his personal appearance unnecessary.

Recent Developments and Background

Last week, Kejriwal was granted bail by the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate of Rouse Avenue Court in two complaints filed by ED for non-compliance with summons. The ED aims to record Kejriwal’s statement regarding the formulation of the excise policy and allegations of bribery. The case revolves around kickbacks generated via the policy and its alleged misuse in the Goa assembly elections in 2022. Notably, AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh are currently in judicial custody in connection with the case.

VoM News Desk

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