The ongoing confrontation between the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal shows no signs of abating, with the latest skirmish centering around the ‘Delhi Excise Policy Case’.
While, the ED has intensified its scrutiny, probing alleged irregularities in the now scrapped Delhi Excise Policy Case, purportedly made under the recommendation of the Delhi government. In response, the AAP has vehemently criticized the agency, alleging it to be a mouthpiece of the BJP and accusing it of fabricating charges against the AAP government.
Amidst the escalating tensions, the ED has made significant arrests, including those of Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and AAP leader Sanjay Singh. Now, the focus seems to be squarely on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
Despite repeated summons issued against him, Kejriwal has consistently declined to appear before the ED, labeling the summonses as “illegal” and “politically motivated”. Even in the face of the sixth summons, Kejriwal maintained his stance, choosing not to present himself before the agency.
In response, the AAP reiterated its position, emphasizing that the summonses sent to Kejriwal were legally contentious and contended that the matter was sub judice. The party urged the ED to await the court’s decision rather than persistently issuing summonses.
Kejriwal, speaking to reporters, defended his decision, asserting that his compliance with relevant laws was unwavering. He highlighted the ongoing legal proceedings and advocated for the ED to await the outcome before issuing further summonses.
It is pertinent to note that, a Delhi court recently granted exemption to Kejriwal from personal appearance in the court in connection with a complaint filed by the ED. The court, taking into account the reasons presented by the Delhi Government Counsel (ongoing Budget Session of the Delhi assembly), have had scheduled the next hearing for March 16.
Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a case against AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal under sections 190 and 200 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
This action was taken due to Kejriwal’s alleged failure to comply with summonses issued by the ED under Section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), as well as for his non-participation in the ongoing investigation related to the case.
In its application, the ED accused Kejriwal of being “non-cooperative” and emphasized that his disregard for the law could set a detrimental example for the general public. The agency asserted that Kejriwal, despite his position as Chief Minister, does not possess any special immunity that would allow him to ignore summonses or claim to be too occupied with other responsibilities.
