Arvind Kejriwal Challenges ED Chargesheet In Delhi Liquor Policy Scam Case

Arvind Kejriwal, former Delhi Chief Minister and accused in the Delhi liquor policy scam case, has approached the Delhi High Court. He has requested a stay on the lower court proceedings. He has also challenged the trial court’s decision to take cognizance of the ED chargesheet against him.

In his petition, Kejriwal argued that the ED failed to get approval from the competent authority for his prosecution. He claimed the trial court erred in applying Section 3 of the PMLA. Kejriwal stated that as a public servant at the time of the alleged crime, prior sanction under Section 197(1) of the CrPC was mandatory but was not obtained. The High Court will hear the case on November 21.

ED Accuses Kejriwal of Excise Policy Manipulation

The ED arrested Kejriwal on March 21, 2024, during his tenure as Chief Minister. The agency alleged that he and AAP leaders altered the excise policy to benefit liquor traders. It claimed AAP leaders took bribes in exchange for concessions and license fee waivers. According to the ED, this money was used to fund the Goa election campaign.

Supreme Court Granted Bail Earlier

The Supreme Court granted Kejriwal interim bail in the money laundering case on July 12, 2024. However, he remained in jail due to a separate CBI case. On September 13, the Supreme Court granted him bail in the CBI case, allowing him to leave jail.

Kejriwal insists the ED’s chargesheet is invalid due to the lack of required approvals. He has asked the High Court to intervene and dismiss the trial court’s order in the Delhi liquor policy scam case.

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