The Delhi High Court has refused to stay the proceedings against Arvind Kejriwal in the money laundering case linked to the Delhi liquor policy scam. The court issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and asked for a response. The next hearing will take place on December 20.
Kejriwal Challenges Lower Court’s Order
Kejriwal has challenged the trial court’s decision to take cognizance of the ED chargesheet. He argues that the ED did not obtain the necessary approval from the competent authority to prosecute him. Kejriwal claims the ED should have secured prior sanction under Section 197(1) of the CrPC before proceeding. He also argues that the lower court judge made an error by taking cognizance of the case under Section 3 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
ED’s Allegations and Political Impact
Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21, 2024, while serving as Chief Minister. The ED alleges that the excise policy was manipulated to benefit AAP leaders and promote cartel formation. AAP leaders face accusations of taking bribes from liquor traders in exchange for exemptions and license fee waivers. The ED claims that the bribe money funded the Goa elections.
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