The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has informed the Supreme Court that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will be made a co-accused in the money laundering case linked to the Delhi excise policy. The ED’s decision stems from allegations that Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal demanded a ₹100-crore bribe, leading to the generation of illegal funds.
According to the ED, evidence suggests that Kejriwal stayed in a seven-star hotel and incurred lakhs of rupees in expenses. The ED’s allegations were presented to the Supreme Court by Additional Solicitor General of India, SV Raju. Raju argued that the AAP will be made an accused in the case, and that direct evidence exists indicating Kejriwal’s involvement.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, also appearing for the ED, questioned the maintainability of Kejriwal’s plea under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Mehta argued that the remand orders issued against Kejriwal were consent orders and therefore cannot be challenged.
Justice Khanna, presiding over the Supreme Court hearing, raised questions about the consistency of the court’s rulings on Article 32 pleas, citing instances where bail has been granted under Article 32. The ED argued that if Section 439 were deleted, Kejriwal’s plea could be considered maintainable.
The ED also raised concerns over Kejriwal’s claim that he would not face imprisonment if people vote for him. The ED argued that such statements are inappropriate and undermine the rule of law. Justice Khanna emphasized that the Supreme Court welcomes criticism of its verdicts but will not engage in political debates. The court reiterated that its order granting interim bail to Kejriwal must be respected, and that the rule of law must prevail.
The ED’s move to make the AAP a co-accused in the Delhi excise policy money laundering case is a significant development in the investigation. The allegations against Kejriwal and the AAP are serious, and the Supreme Court’s decision on the maintainability of Kejriwal’s plea will be closely watched. The case is expected to shed light on the extent of corruption and money laundering in the Delhi excise policy and its alleged links to the AAP.
