The Union Home Ministry has authorized the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to prosecute Arvind Kejriwal, former Chief Minister of Delhi, over alleged irregularities in the 2021-22 excise policy.
Supreme Court Ruling Delayed Action
This decision follows a Supreme Court ruling on November 6. It stated that the ED must seek approval before prosecuting public officials in money laundering cases. As a result, the charges against Kejriwal were delayed.
ED to Seek Approval Before Filing Charges
The ED will now seek prior approval for prosecuting public servants before filing charge sheets in Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) cases. The CBI obtained similar approval in August 2024 for its own corruption case against Kejriwal.
Alleged Bribe and Goa Election Campaign
On March 21, the ED arrested Kejriwal under PMLA. The agency claimed that ₹45 crore of a ₹100 crore bribe was used for Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) Goa election campaign. The ED said Kejriwal was responsible for these funds as AAP’s national convenor.
Kejriwal Called “Kingpin” of Irregularities
The ED labeled Kejriwal as the “kingpin” of the alleged excise policy irregularities. It accused him, his deputy Manish Sisodia, and former AAP media head Vijay Nair of demanding extra money for election funding.
Bribe Money Transferred to Goa
The agency claimed Kejriwal’s associate, Vinod Chauhan, handled the transfer of ₹25.5 crore in bribe money from Delhi to Goa for the AAP. Kejriwal has denied all charges.