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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has once again summoned Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for questioning in connection with the Delhi excise policy-linked money laundering case. This marks the sixth summons issued to Kejriwal, who has been asked to appear before the ED on February 19.
Kejriwal had previously skipped five summonses issued by the federal agency over the past five months, citing them as “illegal.” Despite earlier notices for appearances on dates like February 2, January 18, January 3, December 21, and November 2 in 2023, Kejriwal did not comply.
Last week, a Delhi court responded to a complaint filed by the ED against Kejriwal for disobeying summons, noting that prima facie the AAP chief was “legally bound” to comply. The court directed Kejriwal to appear before it on February 17, highlighting the significance of his adherence to the law as a high-ranking public functionary.
The ED alleged that Kejriwal intentionally avoided obeying the summons and provided “lame excuses.” The agency expressed concern that such actions by a public figure could set a negative example for the public.
Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Divya Malhotra, noting Kejriwal’s failure to appear before the ED, summoned him for the offence under Section 174 of the IPC. The court deemed that there were sufficient grounds to proceed against Kejriwal, setting the date for February 17, 2024.
The case revolves around allegations that the Delhi government’s excise policy for 2021-22 facilitated cartelisation and favored certain liquor dealers who allegedly paid bribes. Although the AAP refutes these claims, the policy was eventually scrapped, leading to a recommendation by Delhi Lt Governor VK Saxena for a Central Bureau of Investigation probe. Subsequently, the ED registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
