Delhi Excise Policy case took a significant turn as the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) approved the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) request to prosecute former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his former deputy Manish Sisodia under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Centre’s Approval for ED Prosecution
The approval followed a recommendation from Delhi Lieutenant Governor V. K. Saxena, who urged the MHA to greenlight the prosecution of Kejriwal. The ED had filed a chargesheet in May 2024, naming Kejriwal as “Accused No. 37” in the case involving M/s IndoSpirits and other entities.
ED officials stated that the sanction was necessary to initiate the prosecution for money laundering under Section 4 of the PMLA.
Timeline of Arrests and Bail
- Manish Sisodia was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on February 26, 2023, followed by an ED arrest 12 days later.
- Arvind Kejriwal was arrested on March 21, 2024, after failing to appear for ED summons.
- The Supreme Court granted bail to Sisodia on August 9, 2024, citing a lack of near-term trial prospects. Kejriwal was granted bail on July 12 and September 13, 2024, in ED and CBI cases, respectively.
Both leaders resigned from their roles in the Delhi government following their legal troubles.
Excise Policy Irregularities
The case revolves around alleged irregularities in the formulation and implementation of the excise policy for the fiscal year 2021-22. The ED has accused the AAP leaders of using the policy to facilitate money laundering and other financial malpractices.
The ED’s chargesheet highlighted:
- Collusion between government officials and private entities.
- Misuse of funds generated from the excise policy.
Kejriwal’s Pending Plea
Kejriwal has challenged the trial court’s cognizance of the chargesheet, arguing that the ED lacked prior sanction for prosecution. This plea is currently pending before the Delhi High Court.
Legal and Political Implications
The approval to prosecute Kejriwal and Sisodia marks a critical moment in the Delhi excise policy case. It is not just a legal battle but a political flashpoint, raising questions about governance and accountability.
Future Steps in the Case
With the Centre’s sanction, the ED is set to proceed with prosecuting both leaders. Legal experts believe the case could set a precedent for the accountability of public officials in matters of financial mismanagement and corruption.
The case continues to unfold, keeping the political and legal spotlight firmly on Delhi’s former leadership.