Liquor policy case: Delhi HC issues notice to Kejriwal on ED plea

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued notice to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on a plea filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) challenging his acquittal in complaint cases related to alleged non-compliance with summons in the excise policy money laundering matter.

A single-judge Bench of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma took note of the submissions made on behalf of the federal anti-money laundering agency and directed issuance of a fresh notice to the respondent, observing that despite advance service, there was no appearance on behalf of Kejriwal.

Appearing for the ED, counsel Zoheb Hossain submitted that the trial court had committed a “grave error” in acquitting Kejriwal, arguing that the material on record clearly established that the summons issued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) was duly served and acknowledged.

“There are various judgments which hold that where a document is not disputed, there is no requirement of formally proving it,” Hossain contended.