The Delhi High Court declined to provide Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal with protection from coercive action in connection with a money laundering case linked to an excise policy.
The court listed Kejriwal’s application for protection for further consideration on April 22, alongside his main petition challenging the summonses. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) presented documents related to the probe, emphasizing the necessity to question Kejriwal.
Kejriwal’s counsel argued against the summons, citing concerns of arrest amid elections and vague charges. The court directed the ED to respond to Kejriwal’s plea challenging the constitutionality of certain sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The case revolves around alleged corruption in the Delhi government’s excise policy, with AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh also implicated. Kejriwal’s name appears in multiple ED charge sheets, alleging his involvement in formulating the policy for illicit gains.
Notably, AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh are currently in judicial custody as part of this case. Kejriwal’s name has surfaced multiple times in the charge sheets filed by the ED, which alleges that the accused coordinated with Kejriwal to manipulate the excise policy, resulting in undue benefits, and paid kickbacks to the AAP in return.
Recently, a Delhi court granted bail to Kejriwal in two complaints filed by the ED for missing six of the prior eight summonses in the money laundering case.
(with PTI inputs)
