Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's legal saga took a significant turn as he was granted bail by the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) of Rouse Avenue Court in connection with the Enforcement Directorate's complaint regarding the alleged money laundering case linked to the Delhi liquor policy.
This development comes as a relief for Kejriwal, who faced potential arrest for his failure to comply with the summons issued by the ED.
During the court proceedings, Arvind Kejriwal made a physical appearance, a move that underscored the seriousness of the legal proceedings against him. The ACMM, Divya Malhotra, granted bail to Kejriwal, citing the bailable nature of the charges under Section 174 of the Indian Penal Code. As a condition for bail, Kejriwal was directed to furnish Rs 15,000 in both complaint cases, indicating the legal gravity of the situation.
The courtroom drama witnessed high-profile legal representation on both sides, with the Enforcement Directorate being represented by Additional Solicitor General S V Raju, along with Zoheb Hossain and Simon Benjamin. On the other hand, Senior Advocate Ramesh Gupta, along with a team of advocates, appeared for Arvind Kejriwal, highlighting the intensity of legal battles in such politically charged cases.
Kejriwal's plea challenging the ED's summons highlighted his assertion that there was no intentional disobedience on his part. He sought intervention from the sessions court to stay the proceedings before the ACMM, emphasizing the need for a fair and just legal process.
This legal development comes against the backdrop of the Enforcement Directorate's second complaint against Kejriwal for allegedly not complying with the summons in the Delhi liquor policy money laundering case. The agency's complaint alleges non-attendance in compliance with Section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, further complicating Kejriwal's legal predicament.
The case's complexity deepens as the Enforcement Directorate aims to record Kejriwal's statement regarding the formulation of the Delhi liquor policy, pre-finalization meetings, and allegations of bribery. The policy, aimed at revitalizing the city's liquor business, has faced intense scrutiny, with allegations of irregularities and misuse of funds for political campaigns surfacing.
In a broader context, the case reflects the intricate intersection of governance, law, and politics in the national capital. The arrest of senior AAP leaders, including Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, adds another layer of complexity, underscoring the political implications surrounding the issue. As legal proceedings unfold, the case continues to draw attention, with its outcome likely to have significant ramifications on Delhi's political landscape.
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