The Delhi High Court, presided over by Justices Suresh Kait and Manoj Jain, has commenced hearing a plea filed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, argued that the summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) do not comply with the legal process and provisions. Singhvi also sought protection from arrest for Kejriwal, stating that political parties are not defined under the PMLA Act. He urged the High Court to issue a notice to the ED, seeking their response on the matter.
Singhvi’s Additional Remarks
Singhvi questioned whether political parties fall within the ambit of the PMLA, referencing discussions in the Supreme Court regarding Manish Sisodia’s bail plea in a related case, which remains pending. ASG SV Raju, representing the ED, challenged the petition’s validity, asserting that the agency would file a response. He highlighted that Kejriwal has not appeared before the ED since the first summons was issued on November 2, 2023.
Delhi High Court Said
The High Court inquired why Kejriwal has not been appearing in response to the summons. Singhvi replied that they have responded to all ten summons issued and are ready to appear virtually before the ED at any time. He emphasized Kejriwal’s willingness to comply but also stressed the need for certain protections.
ASG Raju opposed the plea for issuing a notice on Kejriwal’s petition. The court inquired about the number of arrests made in the case, to which Raju informed that 15 individuals had been arrested so far, with the latest being Kavita. A total of 700 summons have been issued, with 10 to 12 individuals currently under suspicion.
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High Court’s Notice to ED
The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to the ED to determine the admissibility of Kejriwal’s petition and has requested a response within two weeks. The next hearing is scheduled for April 22. As of now, there is no protection against any potential actions by the ED against Kejriwal.
