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The Delhi High Court has called upon the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to respond to a petition filed by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal challenging the series of summonses issued to him in connection with a money laundering case linked to the city's excise policy.

 

Kejriwal's petition, which also questions certain provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), was contested by the investigating agency, asserting its lack of maintainability. The court has granted the ED two weeks to provide its response.

 

Kejriwal's move follows the ninth summons from the ED, requiring him to appear for questioning on March 21 under the PMLA. Senior advocate AM Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, highlighted various issues raised in the petition, including whether political parties are subject to anti-money laundering laws. The court also queried Kejriwal's non-appearance despite repeated summons.

 

Singhvi argued for protection from coercive action, citing the agency's apparent intention to apprehend Kejriwal, especially with elections looming. The case revolves around alleged corruption in formulating and executing Delhi's excise policy for 2021-22, later annulled.

 

AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh are currently in judicial custody in connection with the case.

 

Kejriwal's name has been mentioned in the ED's charge sheets, alleging collusion in crafting the excise policy for personal gain. A Delhi court recently granted bail to Kejriwal for skipping six of the previous eight summonses in the money laundering case. The matter is set for the next hearing on April 22.

 

In a separate development, the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate of Rouse Avenue Court granted bail to Kejriwal on two complaints filed by the ED for non-compliance with summonses.

 

The ED seeks to record Kejriwal's statement on various aspects related to the excise policy, including its formulation and alleged instances of bribery.

 

The case has garnered significant attention, with allegations of misuse of funds for political campaigns surfacing. AAP leaders have accused authorities of political vendetta, while investigations continue into the allegations of corruption in the excise policy formulation.