Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal
Delhi’s Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, made a physical appearance before the Rouse Avenue Court in the national capital on Saturday, responding to the Enforcement Directorate’s summons case. Granting him bail in connection with the agency’s allegations of skipping summonses, this marked Kejriwal’s first physical presence in court regarding the case, having previously appeared via video conferencing.
The Enforcement Directorate has lodged two complaints against Kejriwal for failing to comply with their summonses related to the Delhi excise policy matter. The agency aims to elicit Kejriwal’s statement on various aspects including policy formulation, pre-finalization meetings, and allegations of bribery. Kejriwal, however, has consistently disregarded the summonses, asserting their illegality and political motivation.
Advocate Ramesh Gupta, representing Kejriwal, informed ANI, “The court instructed Arvind Kejriwal to provide a bond and surety bond amounting to ₹50,000. Both bonds were furnished, allowing Kejriwal to leave. Subsequently, we filed an application for the supply of copies under sections 207 and 91 of CrPC, with further proceedings scheduled for April 1.”
In response to the developments, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari emphasized Kejriwal’s obligation to abide by the law, highlighting his bail condition and the court’s directive to heed the ED summonses. AAP leader Reena Gupta reiterated the party’s stance, emphasizing the absence of evidence against Kejriwal and denouncing the case as political vendetta.
Despite Kejriwal’s virtual appearance on February 17, the court proceeded with its summons, eventually requiring his physical presence on March 16. The second complaint against Kejriwal, invoked under various legal provisions, underscores the ongoing legal battle.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the ED’s sixth charge sheet in the Delhi excise policy case has named AAP leader Sanjay Singh and his associate Sarvesh Mishra. Alleging the utilization of kickbacks amounting to ₹45 crore for the Goa assembly elections campaign in 2022, this charge sheet adds to the legal woes of AAP leaders. Notably, AAP figures like Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh are already in custody facing similar accusations. AAP contends that the central government is orchestrating these legal maneuvers to prevent Kejriwal’s involvement in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections campaign.
(With inputs from news agencies)
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