Delhi High Court Issues Final Warning to Kejriwal and Sisodia in ED's Expunction Plea
The Delhi High Court on Thursday delivered a stern message, granting a final opportunity to former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia, and other respondents to submit their positions on a petition filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The ED is seeking to expunge what it describes as "unwarranted" remarks made against it by a trial court during the discharge of the accused in the liquor policy case.
Court's Deadline and Upcoming Hearing
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma expressed frustration over the lack of responses from most respondents, despite previous extensions. She emphasized that this is the last chance for them to file replies, warning that failure to do so will result in the closure of their right to respond. The court has scheduled the next hearing for April 22, when arguments in the case will commence.
Additional Solicitor General S V Raju, representing the ED, highlighted that only Vinod Chauhan among the respondents had filed a reply to the petition. This lack of compliance prompted the court's decisive action.
Background of the ED's Petition
On March 19, the court had allowed time until April 2 for Kejriwal and the other respondents to address the ED's plea. The agency argues that the trial court's observations were extraneous to the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) case and that the ED was not a party to those proceedings nor given an opportunity to be heard.
The ED contends that these remarks constitute judicial overreach and could cause "grave and irreparable prejudice" to the public and the agency itself. It maintains that there is no necessity for Kejriwal and others to file replies, as the challenge is solely focused on the trial judge's comments against the ED, which do not impact the respondents' discharge.
Key Points from the ED's Argument
- The trial court's remarks are described as "sweeping, unguided, and bald observations."
- The ED asserts that allowing such comments to stand would undermine its credibility and public trust.
- The agency emphasizes that the petition is limited to expunging specific observations, not challenging the discharge itself.
This development marks a critical juncture in the ongoing legal battle, with the Delhi High Court poised to hear detailed arguments next month, potentially shaping the outcome of the ED's efforts to protect its reputation in this high-profile case.
