Delhi Court: In the latest development surrounding the Delhi excise policy case, the Delhi Rouse Avenue Court has issued a fresh summons to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The court has directed him to appear physically on March 16, following a move by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) seeking his prosecution for skipping multiple summonses related to a money laundering case associated with the now-defunct Delhi excise policy.
The ED’s fresh complaint alleges that Arvind Kejriwal failed to honor summonses numbered 4 to 8, which were issued under Section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The matter has been listed for hearing before the court of Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Divya Malhotra.
In response to these developments, Arvind Kejriwal took to social media to express his frustration, alleging that opposition leaders are being coerced into joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) by the relentless pursuit of legal action through agencies like the ED. He insinuated that the notices would cease if he were to align himself with the ruling party.
This episode adds to the ongoing legal saga surrounding the Delhi excise policy case, where Kejriwal’s name has been repeatedly mentioned in charge sheets filed by the ED. The agency alleges that the accused, including AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, as well as certain liquor businessmen, were in communication with Kejriwal regarding the formulation of the excise policy for 2021-22.
The ED contends that proceeds of crime amounting to approximately ₹45 crore were utilized by the AAP in its campaign for the Goa assembly polls. The crux of the matter revolves around the allegation that the Delhi government’s excise policy facilitated cartelization among liquor traders and favored select dealers who purportedly engaged in bribery.
Subsequently, the excise policy was scrapped, and the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi recommended a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the irregularities surrounding its development and execution. The ED subsequently registered a case under the PMLA, leading to the arrest of several individuals implicated in the case.
Srinagar Stadium Turns Iconic in Tricolour Glory! Unraveling Omar Abdullah’s Jaw-Dropping Revelation – Here’s What You Need to Know!
Arvind Kejriwal’s incendiary remarks on social media underscore the escalating tensions between the AAP-led Delhi government and the central authorities. The political ramifications of these legal proceedings are significant, with the AAP vehemently denying any wrongdoing and accusing the central government of employing coercive tactics to stifle dissent.
As the legal battle unfolds, questions surrounding the independence of investigative agencies and the politicization of law enforcement loom large. The outcome of these proceedings will not only impact the political landscape of Delhi but also serve as a litmus test for the integrity of India’s democratic institutions.
In the face of mounting legal challenges, Arvind Kejriwal and the AAP remain steadfast in their commitment to upholding the principles of transparency and accountability. However, as the legal proceedings intensify, the political fallout from the Delhi excise policy case is likely to reverberate across the nation.