The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has once again summoned Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal to appear before the investigative agency on January 3, for questioning in connection with the Delhi excise policy scam case. This marks the third summons issued to Kejriwal, who had previously skipped the first two citing the summons as ‘illegal and politically motivated’.

The central agency has directed Kejriwal to join the Delhi liquor scam case probe immediately upon his return from a Vipassana retreat. The ED had initially summoned him on December 21, but the Chief Minister opted to embark on a 10-day Vipassana meditation camp, evading the summons.

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Arvind Kejriwal's first summons came on November 2, but he did not appear citing reasons of prior commitments in Delhi ahead of Diwali and scheduled party campaigning in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

Possible Consequences For Kejriwal If He Skips ED’s Third Summons Too?

If Kejriwal opts to skip the third summons, the Enforcement Directorate holds the authority to approach the Special Court, seeking the issuance of warrants against the Delhi Chief Minister.

Non-cooperation with the investigation could potentially lead to the ED exercising its powers under Section 19, enabling an arrest.

Kejriwal has the option to challenge the summons in the appropriate court on various grounds.

Additionally, the Enforcement Directorate retains the ability to conduct searches at premises linked to the Chief Minister if deemed necessary.

The denial of bail to AAP leaders and former ministers, Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, who are already in custody for their alleged involvement in the Delhi liquor scam case, strengthens the ED's position. The court's characterisation of the probe as "genuine" has been upheld by the Supreme Court.

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Earlier Rouse Avenue Court rejected the bail pleas of former Delhi deputy CM Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh and scheduled the next hearing in January. Both the leaders are currently lodged in Tihar jail.