The Delhi High Court
addressed
a petition filed by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who has contested the summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate against him. The court queried why he isn't appearing before the agency. Kejriwal has sought court protection from arrest, but the court has, for now, rejected any immediate relief.
Kejriwal's lawyer, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, clarified that the CM is not avoiding an appearance and has no issues presenting himself, yet there's a concern of potential arrest.
Singhvi represented Kejriwal's stance, noting that he has responded to all 10 summons issued and is ready to be interrogated virtually. Singhvi argued that the summons don’t align with proper legal procedures.
Singhvi first urged the court to grant Kejriwal protection from arrest, questioning the basis of the summons when a political party is not defined under the PMLA Act. ASG SV Raju, representing the ED, contends that Kejriwal's petition warrants no hearing and promises to file a counter-affidavit.
CM Arvind Kejriwal had challenged numerous ED summons in the Delhi High Court. The agency sent nine summons to Kejriwal for questioning in relation to the Delhi liquor policy scandal, which he did not attend, branding the agency's actions as politically motivated.
Following the bail granted by the Rouse Avenue Court for an appearance inquiry, the central agency issued its ninth summon concerning the money laundering case linked to the liquor policy file, calling Kejriwal to appear on March 21.
When Kejriwal failed to appear, the ED approached the court. The Rouse Avenue Court asked the Delhi CM to appear in person. Kejriwal complied on Saturday, where he received bail. The agency filed two petitions in court, seeking to prosecute him. Right after he was granted bail in this case, the agency issued the ninth summons.
