The Delhi High Court on Tuesday issued a fresh notice to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) plea challenging his acquittal in two summons cases related to alleged non-compliance of summons in a money laundering probe.
Background of the Case
The ED had filed a petition before the High Court, contesting the trial court's decision to acquit Kejriwal in these cases. The trial court had earlier ruled that the summons were not properly served, leading to the acquittal. The ED, however, argued that the trial court erred in its judgment and sought the High Court's intervention.
High Court's Directive
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, presiding over the matter, directed Kejriwal to file his response within four weeks. The court also listed the case for further hearing on December 13, 2024. The fresh notice was issued after the High Court noted that the previous notice had not been served to Kejriwal.
The ED's plea pertains to two separate cases where Kejriwal was accused of not complying with summons issued by the agency in connection with the now-scrapped excise policy case. The trial court had acquitted him in both cases earlier this year, citing lack of proper service of summons.
Legal Implications
This development adds another layer to the legal battles faced by Kejriwal, who is already embroiled in multiple cases. The ED has been probing the alleged irregularities in the Delhi excise policy, which was implemented in 2021 and later withdrawn. The agency has questioned several political leaders and bureaucrats in connection with the case.
Kejriwal's legal team has maintained that the summons were not legally served, and the acquittal was justified. However, the ED contends that the trial court overlooked crucial evidence and procedural aspects.
Next Hearing
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on December 13, 2024. Until then, the court has directed both parties to complete their pleadings. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the ongoing investigation into the excise policy case.
