In a statement released on Monday, the AAP reiterated its stance, stating that the summonses sent to Kejriwal were “illegal,” and the matter is currently under the jurisdiction of the court. The party criticized the ED for repeatedly summoning Kejriwal and suggested that the ED should respect the legal process.
ED’s 6th Summons to Arvind Kejriwal:
The ED had issued the first summons to Chief Minister Kejriwal on November 2, 2023, followed by subsequent summonses on December 21, 2023, January 3, January 17, and February 2, leading to the latest, the sixth summons. Kejriwal, along with the AAP, has consistently labeled these summonses as “illegal” and accused the Modi government of harassment.
Arvind Kejriwal’s Virtual Court Appearance:
When Kejriwal failed to appear before the ED, the agency approached the court. On February 17, Kejriwal virtually appeared before the Rouse Avenue Court, seeking time to appear physically due to the ongoing budget session. The court scheduled the next hearing for March 16.
Delhi Liquor Policy Case Background:
CBI alleges that liquor companies influenced Delhi’s Excise Policy, leading to a 12% profit for them. They claim a liquor lobby provided kickbacks to public servants, involving money laundering. The BJP alleges that the Aam Aadmi Party utilized the crime proceeds to fund its election campaign in Gujarat, helping it become a national party with 12.91% of votes.
Former Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia and AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh are currently serving jail terms in connection with this case.
Court’s Decision and BJP’s Response:
On February 17, the court allowed Kejriwal to appear physically on March 16, after he cited his involvement in the ongoing Delhi Assembly session. Kejriwal reaffirmed his commitment to appear after March 1. The BJP accused Kejriwal of using the Assembly session as a tactic to evade the investigation into the liquor scam.
Kejriwal maintained that the ED’s summonses were “illegal attempts” to prevent him from campaigning for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.