• Source:JND
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In a major setback for AAP Convenor Arvind Kejriwal ahead of the upcoming Delhi Assembly Election 2025, the Union Home Ministry on Tuesday granted the Enforcement Directorate (ED) permission to prosecute the former Delhi CM and former Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with the alleged liquor scam, reported ANI citing sources. 

This recent development allows the investigation agency to formally charge the former Delhi CM and his deputy, further complicating their situation as they head into the Delhi Assembly elections on February 5.

If charges are filed against Kejriwal, the trials could begin, making it harder for him to reclaim the position of Delhi CM.

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This action follows the release of the two leaders on bail in connection with the case. The Supreme Court had ordered Arvind Kejriwal's regular bail in September last year, while Manish Sisodia was granted bail in August in relation to the alleged Delhi liquor policy scam.

The development is significant as a special PMLA court in Delhi had delayed the framing of charges against Arvind Kejriwal after he challenged the trial court's decision to take cognizance of the chargesheet in the absence of specific sanction for prosecution under PMLA.

Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which has charged Arvind Kejriwal under the Prevention of Corruption Act, was granted the required approval for prosecution in August of last year.

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This decision comes after the Supreme Court's November 6 ruling, which stated that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) must also seek prior approval for prosecution under Section 197(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code (now Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita) in money laundering cases, similar to the procedure followed by the CBI.

Arvind Kejriwal's Reaction

AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal said on Wednesday that they (BJP) are contesting the Delhi Assembly Polls this way. On being asked by the reporters outside the party office when he was enrooted to file his nomination, Kejriwal said, "Woh uss tarah see chunav lad rahe hain, hum is tarah see chunav lad rahe hain."

(With inputs from agency)

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