The legal battle between Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken a new turn as the Delhi High Court has sought the ED’s response to Kejriwal’s plea challenging multiple summons issued to him in connection with the Delhi excise policy case.
The ED, while stating that it will respond and oppose the plea on maintainability grounds, has ignited a debate over the jurisdiction and legality of the summons issued to Kejriwal.
Senior advocates Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Vikram Chaudhari, representing Kejriwal, have objected to the ED’s stance on maintainability, setting the stage for a legal showdown in the coming days.
The high court has scheduled the next hearing for April 22, allowing both parties to present their arguments before the judiciary. Kejriwal’s move to approach the high court comes in the wake of the ninth summons issued by the ED, compelling the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor to appear for questioning on March 21.
Notably, Kejriwal had recently secured bail from the Rouse Avenue court in Delhi after facing legal action for his failure to comply with previous summons. His physical appearance before the court during the hearing emphasized his commitment to legal proceedings.
The complexity of the case deepens with the ED’s sixth charge sheet, filed in December 2023, implicating AAP leader Sanjay Singh and his associate Sarvesh Mishra. The ED alleges that kickbacks worth ₹45 crore, derived from the excise policy, were used by the AAP in its election campaign in Goa in 2022. Furthermore, the agency contends that Kejriwal was instrumental in formulating the excise policy, which allegedly led to undue benefits for the accused in exchange for kickbacks paid to the Aam Aadmi Party.
The legal saga surrounding Kejriwal underscores the intricate interplay between politics and law enforcement, raising questions about accountability, transparency, and the impartiality of investigative agencies.
As the case progresses, all eyes will be on the Delhi High Court’s deliberations, which hold significant implications for the future course of the legal proceedings and the political landscape in Delhi.
