Delhi High Court takes strict stand on ED petition, seeks replies from AAP leaders, next hearing on April 29 amid ongoing legal battle
New Delhi: In a significant development in the high-profile Delhi excise policy case, the Delhi High Court has granted a final opportunity to Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and other accused to file their responses to the petition filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
The court made it clear that failure to submit replies at this stage will result in forfeiture of their right to respond, signalling a tough judicial stance in the ongoing legal proceedings.
High Court’s Stern Warning
Justice Swarn Kant Sharma observed that the accused had already been given sufficient time and emphasised that this would be their “last opportunity” to present their side.
“If replies are not filed now, the parties will lose their right to file responses,” the court warned.
The ED has approached the High Court seeking to expunge adverse remarks made against investigating agencies in the lower court’s order, which had acquitted Kejriwal in summons-related cases.
ED Challenges Acquittal in Summons Case
Earlier, the High Court had issued notices to Kejriwal on petitions challenging his acquittal in two cases linked to non-appearance before the ED despite repeated summons in the excise policy probe.
The matter has now been listed for hearing on April 29, with the court directing fresh notices to ensure compliance.
Allegations of Non-Cooperation and Evasion
In its complaint, the ED alleged that Kejriwal had deliberately ignored summons and avoided participation in the investigation. The agency claimed that objections raised by him were baseless and aimed at delaying the probe.
However, the lower court had earlier ruled that the ED failed to establish intentional disobedience, leading to his acquittal in those specific cases.
Link to Larger Excise Policy Probe
The ED has also alleged that other accused were in touch with Kejriwal and played a role in drafting the now-scrapped excise policy, allegedly receiving undue benefits in return. The agency further claimed that the Aam Aadmi Party benefited from the alleged proceeds.
Kejriwal is currently on interim bail in a money laundering case, while broader legal questions surrounding arrest provisions under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) are under consideration by the Supreme Court of India.
Legal Battle Intensifies
With the High Court tightening its stance and setting clear deadlines, the case is entering a crucial phase, with significant legal and political implications for all parties involved.
