The Delhi High Court has summoned relevant documents from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the money laundering case. The case was linked to the Delhi liquor policy scam involving former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
The court directed the ED to clarify whether the investigating officer had the authority to file a complaint in the case. The next hearing is scheduled for February 11.
Kejriwal, who is one of the accused in the case, raised questions regarding the maintainability of the charges against him. He pointed out that a summons under the PMLA was issued by an ED officer named Joginder.
Further, Kejriwal pointed out that the complaint under Section 174 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) was filed by a different officer.
He also argued that the trial court decided to take cognizance of the charge sheet filed by the ED.
Arvind Kejriwal Challenges Legal Grouunds
During the last hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the ED, stated that the necessary approval to prosecute Kejriwal had been secured. However, Kejriwal’s petition challenges this, prior approval is required for prosecuting a public servant.
Kejriwal, who was serving as the Chief Minister at the time of the alleged offence, contends that the trial court’s decision to proceed with the case was legally incorrect.
The case pertains to the alleged manipulation of the Delhi excise policy. According to the ED, Delhi’s excise policy was altered to benefit AAP leaders and facilitate the formation of a cartel. The ED also claims that bribe money was also used in the Goa elections.
Arvind Kejriwal Granted Bail In CBI Case
In a separate development, Kejriwal had been granted interim bail by the Supreme Court on July 12, 2024, in the money laundering case, but remained in jail due to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case. He was granted bail in the CBI case on September 13, 2024, and subsequently released from jail.
Kejriwal’s legal challenge to the ED’s charge sheet will continue to be a significant issue. With this, the upcoming hearings are expected to shed light on the procedural and legal questions raised in the case.
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