Delhi HC Allows ED To Serve Plea Electronically In 2021-22 Excise Policy Money Laundering Case

The Delhi High Court has allowed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to electronically serve its plea against a trial court order in an alleged money laundering case linked to the 2021-22 excise policy. The ED argued that serving the 1,500-page appeal physically to 35 accused would cost around ₹3 lakh. Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri granted the agency’s request, noting it would save public money.

The court stated it would consider requests for physical copies if any accused demanded them. Earlier, it had sought responses from 40 accused, including AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and Sanjay Singh, on the ED’s plea against the trial court’s directive to provide certain documents.

In November, the trial court directed the ED to supply digital records of its chargesheet and a list of unreliable documents not used in the prosecution’s case to the accused. The ED argued this order contradicted a Supreme Court ruling. According to the ED, the apex court mandates only a list of such documents, not their provision.

Excise Policy Allegations and Case Background

The alleged irregularities stem from the Delhi government’s 2021 excise policy, implemented in November 2021 and scrapped in September 2022 amid corruption claims. The policy allegedly extended undue benefits to license holders.

The money laundering case follows a CBI investigation initiated on the recommendation of Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena. The accused include AAP leaders, BRS leader K Kavitha, and several businessmen. The next hearing is scheduled for January 30, 2024.

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