- By Vivek Raj
- Wed, 03 Jan 2024 01:34 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party supremo Arvind Kejriwal has once again skipped the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) summons for the third time, terming it 'illegal.' The ED had summoned Kejriwal for the third time on December 21 and asked him to appear on January 3 after returning from the 'Vipassana' session.
The ED had initially summoned Kejriwal on November 2, with subsequent notices for appearances on December 21 and January 3. Despite the repeated summons, Kejriwal has not cooperated with the investigation.
Possible consequences for Kejriwal After Skipping ED Summons For The 3rd time:
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Potential Warrants: The Enforcement Directorate now has the authority to approach a Special Court, seeking non-bailable warrants against Kejriwal for non-compliance.
Arrest Powers: Non-cooperation may lead to the ED exercising its arrest powers under Section 19.
Legal Challenge: Kejriwal has the option to challenge the summons in court, presenting various grounds for his non-appearance. Delhi CM can also file for anticipatory bail plea.
Search Operations: The ED retains the ability to conduct searches at premises linked to Kejriwal if deemed necessary for the investigation.
The denial of bail to AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, already in custody for their alleged involvement in the Delhi liquor scam case, strengthens the ED's position. The Supreme Court has upheld the characterisation of the probe as "genuine," reinforcing the seriousness of the investigation. The Rouse Avenue Court has previously rejected bail pleas for Sisodia and Singh, scheduling the next hearing for January.
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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) are conducting investigations into the Delhi government's excise policy for 2021-22, a policy that has since been revoked, over alleged benefits to specific liquor dealers. The AAP has vehemently denied these allegations. Delhi Lt Governor VK Saxena recommended a CBI inquiry into suspected irregularities in the policy based on a report from the Delhi government's chief secretary.
Earlier, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal faced a nine-hour questioning session by the CBI in April in connection with the case.
