Delhi High Court Seeks Arvind Kejriwal’s Response on ED Appeal Challenging Acquittal in Summons Cases

NEW DELHI, Apr 29: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued a fresh notice to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal in response to petitions filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) challenging his acquittal in two summons related cases linked to the now scrapped excise policy matter.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma observed that the earlier notice sent to the former Delhi chief minister had not been successfully served. Taking note of the registry’s report, the court directed issuance of a fresh notice and scheduled the next hearing for July 22.

ED Flags Non-Appearance Despite Summons

The central agency has contested the trial court’s decision, arguing that Kejriwal failed to comply with repeated summons issued during the investigation. According to the ED, there was no dispute over the fact that the notices were duly issued and received, yet the AAP leader did not appear for questioning.

The agency further alleged that Kejriwal deliberately avoided joining the probe by raising what it described as “frivolous objections,” thereby obstructing the investigation process.

Trial Court Had Cited Procedural Gaps

In its January 22 order, the trial court acquitted Kejriwal, stating that the ED could not establish intentional disobedience of summons. It highlighted procedural shortcomings, noting that the agency failed to prove proper service of notices via email.

The court also questioned whether issuing summons electronically under Section 50(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) complied with legal standards, ultimately weakening the ED’s case.

Allegations Linked to Excise Policy Case

The ED has maintained that Kejriwal was in contact with other accused individuals during the formulation of the excise policy, which was later scrapped amid allegations of irregularities. The agency claims the policy resulted in undue advantages for certain entities and alleged kickbacks to the AAP.

Parallel Legal Proceedings Continue

Kejriwal is currently out on interim bail in the broader money laundering case tied to the excise policy. The Supreme Court has referred key legal questions—particularly regarding the necessity of arrest under the PMLA—to a larger bench for detailed examination.

Separately, on February 27, a trial court discharged Kejriwal, former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, and 21 others in a related case investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), stating that the prosecution failed to withstand judicial scrutiny.

The CBI’s appeal against that discharge order is also pending before the Delhi High Court, keeping multiple aspects of the excise policy controversy under active judicial review.