The Delhi High Court today issued a fresh notice to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal in response to pleas from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) challenging his acquittal in two cases. The court’s decision comes after Kejriwal allegedly failed to respond to summonses issued in the controversial excise policy case.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma addressed the issue in court, noting that the registry confirmed that the previous notice sent to the former Delhi Chief Minister had not been served. The ED’s counsel indicated that a notice was sent electronically on April 1, yet no representation surfaced on Kejriwal’s behalf.
“Registry reports that he is not served. I will issue fresh notice. Respondent has not been served,” stated Justice Sharma, as she scheduled the next hearing for July 22. This legal action emphasizes the ongoing scrutiny of Kejriwal amidst significant allegations.
The cases against Kejriwal shine a light on the ED’s concern that the former chief minister deliberately ignored summonses, an assertion that he disputed. The agency accused him of raising trivial objections to evade participation in the investigation.
In previous hearings, the ED’s legal counsel argued that the trial court erred in acquitting Kejriwal. The lawyer asserted that evidence confirmed the summons were duly issued and received, yet Kejriwal chose not to appear before the ED.
The trial court’s ruling on January 22 marked a pivotal moment, stating that the ED failed to substantiate claims of intentional disobedience by Kejriwal. The court also highlighted that the ED could not prove proper service of summons via email under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The ED’s allegations involved connections between Kejriwal and others implicated in formulating the now-retracted excise policy, suggesting this led to substantial illicit benefits for some. The agency posits that kickbacks amounted to undue advantages for the AAP.
Currently, Kejriwal remains on interim bail in connection with the money laundering case. The Supreme Court has referred discussions regarding the necessity of arrest under the PMLA to a larger bench for detailed clarification.
On February 27, the trial court discharged Kejriwal, along with former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and 21 others accused in the liquor policy case. It deemed the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) complaint lacked robust legal merit, asserting it was incapable of withstanding judicial analysis.
The CBI’s petition challenges the discharge and is presently pending before the Delhi High Court, following the judicial protocol of scrutiny in matters involving high-profile political figures.
This ongoing legal battle underscores significant issues regarding governance and accountability, resonating deeply with the political landscape in Delhi. The forthcoming hearings will be crucial in determining both the direction of this case and the implications for Kejriwal and his political party.
