The Delhi High Court has scheduled a hearing on September 9 for Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s petition challenging summonses issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) concerning a money laundering probe linked to an excise policy case. A bench headed by Justice Prathiba M Singh granted Kejriwal four additional weeks to file a rejoinder to the ED’s response.
Kejriwal’s legal team requested more time citing changes in circumstances and pending pleas for proper legal interviews. The ED had earlier argued that the petition challenging the summonses became irrelevant after Kejriwal’s arrest on March 21, following the court’s denial of interim protection.
Initially summoned on March 21, Kejriwal approached the high court seeking relief from the ED’s coercive actions. Subsequently, the court instructed the ED to respond to his pleas regarding the petition’s admissibility and protection from arrest.
Despite being granted bail on June 20 in the money laundering case, the high court stayed the order on June 25, following an ED challenge. On June 26, Kejriwal was arrested by the CBI in a related corruption case.
Kejriwal’s petition also challenges aspects of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), questioning its constitutionality in terms of arrest, interrogation, and bail procedures. He alleges misuse of PMLA provisions to unfairly influence electoral processes, claiming bias due to his opposition stance against the ruling party.
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