The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal in response to a plea filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The plea challenges Kejriwal’s acquittal in cases related to alleged non-compliance with summons in the excise policy money laundering matter. The court directed the issuance of a fresh notice to Kejriwal as he did not appear despite advance service.
The ED, represented by counsel Zoheb Hossain, argued that the trial court made a serious error in acquitting Kejriwal. The agency claimed that the material on record clearly showed that the summons issued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) was served and acknowledged. The court ordered a fresh notice to be issued to Kejriwal and called for the trial court record.
The ED’s appeal follows Kejriwal’s acquittal by the Rouse Avenue Court in complaint cases filed by the ED. The agency had accused Kejriwal of intentionally avoiding multiple summons issued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 29, as per the Delhi High Court’s order.
The development is significant in light of the ongoing proceedings related to the Delhi excise policy case. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has challenged a trial court order that discharged all 23 accused, including Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, in the corruption case linked to the now-defunct excise policy.
