ED Chargesheet Names Arvind Kejriwal As Accused Number 37 In Delhi Excise Policy Case

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has named as accused number 37 in a new chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the Delhi excise policy case. The chargesheet, which lists 38 conspirators, accuses Kejriwal of money laundering and labels him as the main conspirator.

The ED's chargesheet alleges that Kejriwal was aware of and involved in using bribe money during the Goa elections. It includes details of WhatsApp conversations between Kejriwal and Vinod Chauhan, suggesting that K Kavitha's PA sent over Rs 25 crore to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) through Chauhan. These chats indicate a close relationship between Kejriwal and Chauhan.

High Court Proceedings

On July 10, the Delhi High Court scheduled a hearing for July 15 regarding the ED's plea challenging the bail granted to Kejriwal in this money laundering case. Earlier, on June 20, a trial court had granted bail to Kejriwal on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh, but the ED contested this decision.

Justice Neena Bansal Krishna was informed by ED's counsel that they received Kejriwal's reply late on Tuesday night and needed time to file a rejoinder. Despite arguments from both sides about when the reply was served, the court acknowledged that ED was entitled to file their rejoinder and set a new hearing date.

Arguments in Court

Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, requested an urgent hearing due to the case's importance. However, Additional Solicitor General S V Raju argued that ED needed more time to review Kejriwal's response. The court ultimately granted time for ED to prepare their rejoinder.

The high court had previously stayed the trial court’s bail order on June 21 until it could pass an order on ED’s application for interim relief. On June 25, it issued a detailed order staying the trial court’s decision to grant bail to Kejriwal.

Background of Excise Policy Case

Kejriwal was arrested by both the ED and CBI on March 21 and June 26 respectively in connection with money laundering and corruption cases related to the excise policy. The policy was scrapped in 2022 after alleged irregularities led to a CBI probe ordered by Delhi’s lieutenant governor.

The CBI and ED claim that modifications made to the excise policy resulted in undue favours being extended to licence holders. This led to accusations of corruption against several individuals involved in its formulation and execution.

The high court has also sought replies from other parties involved in related cases. For instance, it asked for CBI’s response on another bail plea by Kejriwal with a hearing set for July 17.

The ongoing legal battles highlight significant allegations against prominent political figures and underscore the complexities surrounding corruption investigations in India. As these proceedings continue, all eyes remain on how these cases will unfold in court.