The Delhi High Court postponed the hearing on the Enforcement Directorate’s plea to remove negative remarks made by a trial court in a case involving AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma granted a final chance to the respondents, instructing them to file their responses by the next hearing date. Failure to do so may lead to an ex parte decision. The case is now scheduled for further proceedings on April 22.
The High Court’s decision follows a previous deferral on March 19 to allow respondents time to submit their replies regarding the ED’s plea. The agency, through its representatives, argued that the trial court’s comments were unjustified and made without giving the ED an opportunity to present its side. The trial court had acquitted 23 individuals, including Kejriwal and Sisodia, in a corruption case investigated by the CBI, leading to the current legal challenge.
In a related matter, the Delhi High Court issued a notice to Kejriwal regarding the ED’s appeal against his acquittal in cases related to non-compliance with summons in a money laundering investigation. Despite prior notice, Kejriwal did not appear, prompting the court to issue a fresh notice and request the trial court’s records. The ED contends that Kejriwal’s acquittal was erroneous, citing evidence of summons served under the PMLA.
