The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has served an eighth summons to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the excise policy money laundering case. Kejriwal, who has previously skipped seven summonses, has been called upon to appear before the agency on March 4.
The Delhi CM had notably abstained from the seventh summons on Monday, citing his willingness to abide by the agency's directive only if mandated by the court.
Consequently, the ED has taken legal action against Kejriwal for his repeated non-compliance over the past months, seeking his appearance before a Delhi court. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has responded to these developments, alleging political coercion from the BJP-led Central government aimed at destabilising the Congress-led INDIA alliance.
"The matter is sub judice, and the next hearing is slated for March 16. Instead of issuing daily summons, the ED should await the court's directives. We stand firm within the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), and the central government's attempts to apply pressure are unwarranted," the AAP asserted.
Characterising the summonses as both illegal and politically motivated, Kejriwal has previously disregarded agency directives on November 2, December 22 last year, and subsequently on January 3, January 18, February 2, and February 19.
The Delhi's Rouse Avenue court has granted Kejriwal exemption from personal appearance concerning the ED case until March 16.
Citing commitments to the Budget session of the Delhi Assembly, Kejriwal opted for virtual appearance before the court.
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