In 2021, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) summoned Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to the Excise Policy Case. And since then, this case has sparked a major tug-of-war between the ED and Arvind Kejriwal.
Also, it has become a flashpoint for political battles between the AAP and the BJP, as the BJP accuses Kejriwal of corruption and using charismatic propaganda to deflect from the scam’s allegations.
The Delhi Excise Policy and Allegations:
The Delhi Excise Policy aimed to revamp liquor sales in Delhi through private licenses that include private shops, discounts on alcohol and granting licenses through auctions.
However, allegations surface around the policy claiming violations of excise laws, larger revenue targets, money laundering and much more.
To this, the ED, an agency under the Central government began its investigation into the case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
How it has led to the tug-of-war between the ED and Kejriwal?
The Excise Policy case became the tug-of-war between ED and Kejriwal for several reasons.
First is the power play between the AAP and the BJP, both nationally and in Delhi. Both parties are trying to strongly compete to take down each one among them. For which, they are putting the political accusations against the AAP and Kejriwal regarding corruption and money laundering cases.
Then, the different view on the case is, that the ED needs to have sufficient evidence to investigate the case properly, while the AAP argues the case to be ‘politically motivated’, which is creating a tug-of-war.
Another thing is the opaqueness in the policy details regarding this decision and the license that remains unclear creating an obnoxious situation for the ED.
Current Status:
Recently, on December 22, 2023, the ED sent the third notice to Arvind Kejriwal to appear in the ED office on January 3, 2024, regarding the Excise Policy case.
Kejriwal was first called by the ED on November 2, but he didn’t appear, claiming the summons ‘vague, motivated and unsustainable’.
On December 21, he again refused to depose in front of the ED by issuing a written draft to the director’s office of the ED.
However, the investigation continues, with the ED making chargesheets and arrests on the top AAP party leaders, including Manish Sisodia, who remain in custody. While Kejriwal is maintaining his innocence and continues to campaign against the allegations.
Looking Forward on this case:
Determining a particular timeline for the case would be difficult, as it might take months and years to get resolved. However, we can go through some factors that serve certain possibilities and uncertainties.
The court proceedings and hearings, with the ED actions, might extend the custody and arguments on the shreds of evidence presented regarding this case. The ED’s ongoing investigations and chargesheets or arrests may get extended depending on the findings.
Overall, the Delhi Excise Case Policy remains complex and difficult with significant political, legal and policy implications. However, it is suggested to stay informed about with the court’s proceedings and through reliable sources to understand the case’s trajectory.
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