Excise Policy Case: ED summons Arvind Kejriwal for sixth time

Excise Policy Case: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal has once again been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the Delhi liquor policy case, marking the sixth time he has been called upon by the central agency. Despite multiple summons in the past, Kejriwal has not appeared before the ED for questioning. The ED is investigating a money laundering case related to the now-defunct excise policy of 2021-22.

Excise Policy Case: Continued summons

The 55-year-old Delhi chief minister has been asked to appear before the federal agency on February 19, following his failure to comply with previous summons. Despite legal directives, Kejriwal has consistently skipped appearances before the ED, citing various reasons.

Previously, a Delhi court had directed Kejriwal to appear on February 17 in response to a complaint filed by the ED regarding his non-compliance with their summons. The court emphasized that Kejriwal was "legally obligated" to adhere to the summons.

This latest summons adds to the string of summonses issued to the former Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer. He was previously summoned on February 2, January 18, January 3 of this year, as well as on December 21 and November 2 in 2023. Kejriwal has repeatedly denounced these summonses as "illegal."

Excise Policy Case: Legal proceedings

The case revolves around allegations of money laundering linked to the excise policy implemented during the 2021-22 period in Delhi. The ED's investigation aims to uncover any financial irregularities and illicit transactions associated with the policy.

As the legal proceedings continue, the repeated summonses underscore the ongoing scrutiny faced by Kejriwal and the AAP leadership regarding the implementation and ramifications of the Delhi liquor policy.