Arvind Kejriwal Challenges ED Complaints in Delhi High Court Over PMLA Summons

Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has approached the Delhi High Court, questioning the validity of criminal complaints filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against him for allegedly ignoring its summons in connection with the Delhi excise policy case.

Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri has directed the ED to respond to Kejriwal's plea, which also contests a trial court's decision to acknowledge the agency's complaints. "Would you like to respond? File a reply," the Court instructed ED’s counsel, scheduling the next hearing for December 19.

However, the Court declined Kejriwal’s request to temporarily halt the trial proceedings.

Senior Advocate Rebecca M John, representing Kejriwal, argued that although the PMLA summons was issued by one ED officer, the complaint under Section 174 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) was filed by a different official. John emphasized that the law mandates the complaint should be filed by the specific 'public servant' who issued the original summons.

Zoheb Hossain, representing the ED, challenged the admissibility of Kejriwal’s plea. The ED had previously filed a complaint against Kejriwal for non-compliance with its summons in the excise policy case, which led to his arrest earlier this year. He was subsequently granted interim bail by the Supreme Court.