Kejriwal Defies Limits, Won’t Appear Before ED: 6-6 Summons Sent, AAP Says – ED Awaits March 16 Court Hearing
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal did not appear before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday. The agency had issued a summons on February 17, and today he was called for questioning.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has stated that the ED summons are unconstitutional. As the validity of these summons is being contested in court, the agency may have to await the court’s decision regarding the enforcement of the summons instead.
ED Issues Sixth Summons to Arvind Kejriwal
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has once again summoned Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, although he did not appear before the agency for questioning. Despite having received five previous summons, Kejriwal did not attend any of them, citing engagements related to different responsibilities. The ED had sent the latest summons to Kejriwal on February 17. However, in response to Kejriwal’s absence for questioning even after the previous five summonses, the ED had filed a plea in the Delhi High Court.
Arvind Kejriwal’s Court Appearance Deferred to February 17
On February 14, the court was informed that Arvind Kejriwal would appear in court on February 17 and would not be present for the hearing. The Chief Minister attended the court proceedings virtually.
He informed the court that due to discussions on a confidence motion in the legislative assembly and the budget session, they could not be physically present in court. The next hearing is scheduled for March 16, and on that day, he will appear before the court.
Warning to My Legislators: I Might Get Arrested
During the presentation of the confidence motion in the assembly on February 16, Kejriwal warned, “An arrest might happen shortly.” He claimed that the BJP was orchestrating Operation Lotus in Delhi. He alleged that two of his party’s legislators had been contacted, suggesting that they might be arrested soon.
BJP members informed all legislators that 21 AAP legislators are in touch and ready to leave the party. They have been offered ₹25-25 crores each. However, when we spoke to the legislators, we found out that they had been contacted by 7 legislators. Kejriwal had previously submitted confidence motions in the assembly in March 2023 and August 2022.
ED’s Authority to Arrest, Kejriwal Can Attend Court
Under the provisions of the law, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) can issue a non-appearance warrant against Chief Minister Kejriwal for repeatedly failing to appear before them. Following which, a non-bailable warrant can be issued if he continues to remain absent.
The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) states that if there is no valid reason for non-appearance, ED can schedule a time. Subsequently, a notice is issued. Ignoring notices under PMLA can lead to arrest.
If CM Kejriwal doesn’t appear, investigators can visit his residence for questioning. If unsatisfactory answers or non-cooperation persist, he can be arrested.
However, after the warrant is issued, Kejriwal can attend court with his lawyer and offer cooperation during questioning. Upon which, the court may instruct ED not to arrest him.
