Kejriwal seeks protection in Delhi HC amid excise policy case

Kejriwal seeks protection in Delhi HC amid excise policy case/ANI

VoM News Desk | March 21, 2024 | 11:40 AM IST | Breaking News | Follow on Google News

Kejriwal seeks protection in Delhi HC amid excise policy case/ANI

Kejriwal seeks protection in Delhi HC amid excise policy case

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has initiated legal proceedings in the Delhi High Court, seeking protection from potential coercive action in connection with the Excise policy case. The move comes in response to the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) issuance of nine summons to Kejriwal in the Excise case. A division bench led by Justice Suresh Kumar Kait is set to hear the matter today.

Allegations and Apprehensions

During the preceding hearing, Kejriwal’s legal team voiced concerns over the possibility of his arrest by the ED. They emphasized Kejriwal’s readiness to comply with summons if provided adequate protection. The latest summon requires Kejriwal to appear before the ED on March 21, 2024. In response to Kejriwal’s challenge against the summons, the High Court had sought the ED’s response.

Legal Arguments and Counteractions

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, cited past arrests of AAP leaders by the agency to underscore apprehensions regarding potential arrest. Kejriwal’s plea challenges certain provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), alleging misuse of investigative powers to influence the upcoming general elections. The plea contends that the ongoing investigation, spanning one and a half years, is a pretext for malicious intent.

In a related development, the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate granted bail to Kejriwal on two complaints filed by the ED for non-compliance with summons. The ED seeks Kejriwal’s statement regarding policy formulation and bribery allegations in the Excise case. The plea also raises concerns about the fairness of investigative processes and potential political ramifications, highlighting broader implications for governance and accountability.

VoM News Desk

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