Delhi Court Summons CM Kejriwal Over Excise Policy Case

Press Trust of Kashmir

NEW DELHI: In a recent development, a Delhi court has summoned Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to appear on February 17 in response to a complaint filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The complaint alleges non-compliance with summons in a money-laundering case linked to the now-defunct excise policy for the national capital.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Divya Malhotra stated, “Cognisance of the complaint has been taken and summons is being issued to him to appear on February 17.” The decision came after the ED asserted it had concluded its arguments in the matter.

The ED lodged a fresh complaint against Mr. Kejriwal on February 3 for ignoring its summons. This action follows Mr. Kejriwal’s failure to appear for the fifth summons, which were issued last Wednesday.

In response, Mr. Kejriwal labeled the summonses “illegal and politically motivated,” suggesting they aimed to hinder his election campaigning. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) echoed these sentiments, asserting the notices were unlawful and promising to address the court accordingly.

AAP leader Jasmine Shah affirmed, “We are studying the court order and will take necessary legal steps accordingly.”

This development adds another layer to the ongoing legal battle surrounding the controversial excise policy case, further underscoring the complex interplay between politics and law enforcement in the nation’s capital.