Liquor Policy Scam: Home Ministry Greenlights ED To Prosecute Arvind Kejriwal As Poll Campaign Intensifies

As the poll campaign for the Delhi Assembly polls intesify, the Union Home Ministry has reportedly given a nod to Enforcement Directorate (ED) to prosecute Aam Aadmi Party national convener and former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the money laundering case regarding the Delhi liquor policy scam, News18 reported.

The Supreme Court had earlier ruled that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) must secure prior sanction before prosecuting public officials. Kejriwal had contested the ED's charge sheet in the Delhi High Court, arguing it was invalid due to the absence of required authorization. The ED, however, has called Kejriwal the "kingpin and key conspirator" in the alleged scam.

The case revolves around allegations of corruption and money laundering in the formulation and implementation of the Delhi government's 2021-22 excise policy, which was scrapped in September 2022 following concerns of irregularities.

The ED claims that the excise policy resulted in financial misappropriation and money laundering, benefiting specific entities. Kejriwal has denied all charges, calling the case politically motivated.

Chronology of Events

• November 2021: Delhi government launches new excise policy.
• July 2022: Lt. Governor VK Saxena recommends a CBI probe into policy irregularities.
• August 2022: CBI and ED register cases against multiple officials and leaders.
• October 2023 - March 2024: ED summons Kejriwal multiple times.
• March 21, 2024: Delhi High Court denies Kejriwal protection from arrest. ED arrests him shortly after.
• May 10, 2024: Supreme Court grants interim bail to Kejriwal for Lok Sabha campaigning, requiring his surrender post-elections.
• June 20, 2024: Trial court grants regular bail to Kejriwal.
• June 21-25, 2024: High Court suspends Kejriwal's bail after ED's appeal. CBI arrests him for corruption linked to the excise policy.
• July 12, 2024: Supreme Court grants interim bail in the ED case, but Kejriwal remains in jail under CBI custody.
• August 2024: Delhi High Court upholds Kejriwal's arrest. He appeals to the Supreme Court, which issues notice to the CBI.
• September 2024: Supreme Court grants bail, stating prolonged incarceration unjustly deprives liberty.

Kejriwal, who has maintained his innocence, continues to fight the case in court, with the Supreme Court's bail order offering temporary relief.