In the ongoing saga surrounding the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) summons to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, a Delhi court has issued a fresh directive for him to appear on March 16. This development comes as the ED intensifies its efforts to question Kejriwal in connection with the Delhi excise policy case.
The central agency informed the court about Kejriwal’s repeated non-compliance with summonses issued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, alleging that he had skipped as many as eight summonses. Kejriwal has consistently criticized the Narendra Modi government, accusing it of using central agencies like the ED to target opposition leaders.
Despite being summoned by the ED on multiple occasions, Kejriwal has refrained from appearing before the agency. The latest summons, issued in late February for questioning on March 4, was disregarded by Kejriwal, who labeled it as “illegal.” While he offered to engage in questioning via video-conferencing, the ED insisted on his physical presence, citing procedural reasons.
The ED’s actions are part of a broader investigation into the money laundering case related to Delhi’s now-defunct excise policy, which has already led to the arrest of two top AAP leaders, former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh.
Kejriwal’s name has surfaced repeatedly in charge sheets filed by the ED, alleging his involvement in the formulation of the excise policy. The AAP leader has vehemently criticized the central government’s approach, suggesting a political vendetta behind the summonses.
In response, the AAP has emphasized the need for the ED to clarify the basis on which individuals are being summoned, citing precedents set by court rulings. The party has accused the central government of disregarding legal norms and acting with impunity.
As the legal battle unfolds, the summons to Kejriwal underscores the ongoing confrontation between the AAP-led Delhi government and the central authorities, reflecting broader tensions within the Indian political landscape.
Sources By Agencies
