In a new setback for Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal ahead of the upcoming Delhi elections, the Union Home Ministry has granted approval for the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to prosecute the former Chief Minister in a money laundering case related to the now-revoked liquor policy.
Sources have confirmed that the Home Ministry has also given the green light for the prosecution of senior AAP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister, Manish Sisodia, in the same case.
This development comes months after a Supreme Court decision in November, which stated that the ED would require prior sanction, similar to the Central Bureau of Investigation, to prosecute public servants. The ED has accused Kejriwal of being the mastermind behind alleged irregularities in the Delhi liquor policy. However, the framing of charges had been delayed in a Delhi court due to the lack of the required clearance, which has now been resolved with the Home Ministry’s approval.
After the Supreme Court’s ruling, Kejriwal had approached the Delhi High Court, challenging the trial court’s decision to take cognizance of the chargesheet against him. He contended that the ED lacked the necessary sanction to prosecute him.
Both Kejriwal and Sisodia were arrested in connection with the money laundering case linked to the Delhi liquor policy but were granted bail. The two leaders have strongly denied the charges, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of misusing probe agencies to target political opponents.
Also read: Money, gold chains, sarees and more, BJP is luring voters in Delhi alleges Arvind Kejriwal
As the election campaign intensifies, with the Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for February 5, both Kejriwal and Sisodia are actively campaigning. Kejriwal filed his nomination for the New Delhi constituency earlier today. Politically, this new development is expected to escalate the BJP’s criticism of the ruling AAP as the election draws near.
