- By Vivek Raj
- Mon, 22 Apr 2024 07:50 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Delhi High Court is set to hear Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's petition challenging summonses issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case linked to an excise policy. Kejriwal, arrested by the agency on March 21 after the court refused interim protection, contests the constitutional validity of certain provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Scheduled before Justice Suresh Kumar Kait and Justice Manoj Jain, the plea questions the applicability of PMLA to political parties and alleges misuse to influence elections. Kejriwal claims the ED, controlled by the Union government, has been weaponised, jeopardising fair electoral processes.
Kejriwal's petition comes in response to the ninth summons by the ED. The court, on March 20, requested the ED to respond to the petition's maintainability. The following day, it sought the ED's reply to Kejriwal's plea for protection from arrest, declining interim relief. Subsequently, Kejriwal was arrested and is currently in judicial custody.
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The ED alleges that Kejriwal and others collaborated on a now-defunct excise policy, resulting in undue advantages for certain entities in exchange for kickbacks to Kejriwal's party, the AAP. Kejriwal's petition questions whether a political party falls under anti-money laundering laws, asserting that the arbitrary procedure under the PMLA unfairly favors the ruling party in elections.
Earlier, Delhi HC had rejected Kejriwal's plea challenging the legality of his arrest by the ED team. The court upheld the arrest and remand of AAP supremo and said, Kejriwal "conspired" and was actively involved in the "use and concealment of proceeds of crime".
In connection to the liquor policy case, formed Delhi deputy CM Manish Sisodia is lodged in Tihar jail, and was arrested last year. Recently, BRS leader K Kavitha was also arrested by the ED team from Hyderabad in connection to the same case. Arvind Kejriwal is currently lodged in Tihar jail.
