Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma stated that all remaining respondents must submit their replies by April 22. The court made it clear that failure to do so will automatically close their right to respond. Arguments in the matter are also scheduled to begin on the same date.
Delhi High Court
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has given Arvind Kejriwal and 20 other accused a final chance to respond to a plea filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The agency is seeking the removal of certain critical observations made against it in a trial court order related to the alleged excise policy case.
Deadline Set for April 22
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma stated that all remaining respondents must submit their replies by April 22. The court made it clear that failure to do so will automatically close their right to respond. Arguments in the matter are also scheduled to begin on the same date.
Limited Responses Filed So Far
Out of 23 accused individuals, only two-Abhishek Boinpally and Vinod Chauhan-have filed their responses so far, despite earlier opportunities granted on March 10 and March 19.
Background: Discharge in CBI Case, ED Case Continues
Last month, a trial court discharged all accused, including Manish Sisodia, in a case investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). However, proceedings in the ED’s money laundering case are still ongoing. Meanwhile, the CBI has challenged the discharge order in the High Court.
ED Objects to Trial Court Observations
The ED has raised concerns over multiple portions of the trial court’s lengthy judgment, particularly remarks that touched upon provisions under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA), even though the case at hand was being heard under the CBI’s jurisdiction.
Some of the disputed observations suggested that expanding allegations into PMLA proceedings could raise constitutional concerns and potentially lead to the criminalisation of routine electoral practices, such as campaign spending.
What Lies Ahead
With April 22 set as both the final deadline for responses and the next hearing date, the case is poised to move into the argument stage-marking a critical juncture in this high-profile legal battle.
