Trouble for Kejriwal & Sisodia Ahead of Delhi Elections

In a significant development that could escalate political tensions ahead of the Delhi elections, the Union Home Ministry has granted approval for the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to prosecute Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal in a money laundering case linked to the now-scrapped Delhi liquor policy. The Home Ministry has also reportedly cleared the way for the ED to proceed with its case against Manish Sisodia, the former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi.

This move comes after a Supreme Court ruling in November, which had previously stated that the ED would require prior approval to prosecute public servants, similar to the Central Bureau of Investigation. The ED had accused Kejriwal of masterminding alleged irregularities in the liquor policy. However, charges against him were held up in court due to the lack of clearance. This latest development removes that roadblock and paves the way for charges to be framed.

In response to the Supreme Court ruling, Kejriwal had approached the Delhi High Court, challenging the trial court’s decision to proceed with the chargesheet. He had argued that the ED did not have the necessary sanction to prosecute him. Both Kejriwal and Sisodia were arrested earlier in connection with the money laundering cases but are currently out on bail. They have vehemently denied the charges and accused the BJP of using investigative agencies to target political opponents ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections.