Centre's Important Approval Creates New Challenges for Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal is facing renewed difficulties before the upcoming Delhi election, as the Union Home Ministry has authorized the Enforcement Directorate to initiate legal action against the former Chief Minister in a money laundering investigation related to the now-repealed liquor policy. Sources indicate that the Home Ministry has also approved the agency's efforts to prosecute senior AAP member and ex-Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.
This situation arises months after a Supreme Court verdict in November, which ruled that the Enforcement Directorate must obtain prior authorization, similar to the Central Bureau of Investigation, in order to prosecute public officials. The ED had claimed that Mr. Kejriwal was the principal figure behind the alleged misconduct surrounding the Delhi liquor policy, but the charge framing had been on hold in a Delhi court due to the lack of necessary clearance. The latest development has now eliminated that barrier.
Following the ruling from the highest court a few weeks later, Mr. Kejriwal appealed to the Delhi High Court, contesting the trial court's acknowledgment of the chargesheet against him. He argued that the Enforcement Directorate lacked the authority to prosecute him.
Mr. Kejriwal and Mr. Sisodia were detained in connection with money laundering allegations related to the Delhi liquor policy and are presently out on bail. Both politicians have vehemently denied the allegations leveled against them and accused the BJP of utilizing investigative agencies to intimidate political competitors.
