Kejriwal Claims ED Seeking His Appearance for Publicity in Excise Policy Scam Case

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's legal battle against the Enforcement Directorate (ED) took a dynamic turn as he accused the agency of seeking his personal appearance for mere publicity in connection with the ongoing Delhi Excise Policy scam.

During the session court hearing, Senior Advocate Ramesh Gupta, representing Kejriwal, argued vehemently against the summons issued by the Magistrate Court, stating that the CM's presence would serve no purpose other than garnering attention. "I am only saying I will be exempted. What do they gain by making me come here? Is it only for the publicity," Gupta questioned.

However, the Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV Raju, representing the ED, rebuffed Gupta's assertions, emphasizing that they were not pursuing the case for publicity. "Stop playing to the gallery. we are not doing anything for publicity," ASG Raju countered. The legal wrangling ensued as Kejriwal challenged the summons issued to him by the Magistrate Court in connection with the complaint filed by the ED regarding the Excise Policy case.

Despite Kejriwal's previous assurance to appear before the court on March 16, his counsel contested the summoning, highlighting technical grounds and alleging discrepancies in the ED's actions. Gupta contended that the complaint against Kejriwal was filed by an investigating officer, not by the ED, which he argued was a violation of Section 195. However, ASG Raju countered, stating that the provisions regarding complaint filings should be viewed practically, considering the involvement of various officers in the investigative process.

The courtroom drama escalated as ASG Raju questioned the timing of Kejriwal's petition, accusing him of suppressing vital information and engaging in dishonest conduct. In response, Gupta relinquished the plea for exemption from personal appearance, opting instead to seek a stay on proceedings. With the legal battle intensifying, the court adjourned the hearing, continuing the high-stakes saga surrounding Kejriwal's legal woes amid the Excise Policy scam.

The ED's probe stems from alleged irregularities in the Delhi Excise Policy, with accusations of criminal conspiracy and kickbacks swirling around AAP leaders, including Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. As the courtroom showdown unfolds, Kejriwal and his party face mounting pressure amidst allegations of corruption and malpractice, adding further complexity to the political landscape ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Author: Anushka Taraniya

News Writer, MIT ADT University