A Delhi court has provided relief to AAP stalwarts Arvind Kejriwal and Amanatullah Khan by discharging them from ED summons non-compliance cases tied to separate money laundering probes. Rouse Avenue’s Magistrate Paras Dalal pronounced the orders, effectively closing these specific chapters.
Kejriwal’s case centered on his non-appearance despite five ED notices in the 2021-22 Delhi Excise Policy investigation, where the ‘South Group’ is accused of bribing officials for liquor trade dominance. ED’s February 2024 petition invoked PMLA for willful defiance.
The saga began with CBI’s FIR in August 2022 on LG Saxena’s complaint, followed swiftly by ED’s PMLA registration. Kejriwal’s arrest marked a dramatic escalation, overturned later by Supreme Court bail.
Khan’s discharge pertains to Delhi Waqf Board hiring irregularities, mirroring the summons evasion theme.
Legal observers view this as a check on ED’s expansive powers, particularly in politically sensitive matters. AAP frames it as proof of fabricated cases aimed at silencing dissent ahead of polls.
Though a win, it doesn’t end the broader excise policy litigation. The rulings emphasize procedural fairness, likely influencing future agency summons and compliance battles in India’s polarized political arena.