Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court has delivered a major blow to the Enforcement Directorate by discharging AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal in the matter of non-appearance before agency summons linked to the Delhi liquor scam. Magistrate Paras Dalal ruled in favor of the former CM, citing lack of evidence for deliberate evasion.
The ED filed a complaint in February 2024, alleging Kejriwal violated PMLA provisions by ignoring five summons issued during the probe into the 2021-22 excise policy. This policy overhaul allegedly allowed a ‘South Group’ syndicate to dominate liquor sales through kickbacks to AAP functionaries.
The investigation originated from CBI’s August 2022 FIR, prompted by LG Saxena’s allegations of corruption in policy formulation. ED’s parallel PMLA case ramped up scrutiny on Kejriwal, culminating in his arrest earlier this year before Supreme Court intervention granted bail.
In a related ruling, the court also cleared AAP legislator Amanatullah Khan from charges in a Waqf Board recruitment money laundering inquiry, where he too had skipped ED appearances.
Kejriwal’s legal team hailed the order as vindication against ‘politically motivated’ probes, while ED sources indicated potential appeals. The verdict highlights tensions between investigative agencies and opposition leaders, with implications for enforcement of summons powers under stringent laws like PMLA.
As the AAP navigates multiple fronts—from elections to courtroom dramas—this acquittal provides much-needed breathing space. Yet, the underlying excise scam allegations persist, keeping the spotlight on Delhi’s political landscape.