The Union Home Ministry grants ED the green light to prosecute Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy scam

 In a significant move ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has granted the Enforcement Directorate (ED) permission to prosecute Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the alleged excise policy scam. The 56-year-old Kejriwal, who served as the Delhi Chief Minister, now faces charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

This sanction comes after a chargesheet was filed by the ED in the PMLA court last year, following Kejriwal’s arrest in March 2024. The ED has accused the Delhi CM of being the “kingpin and key conspirator” in the alleged money laundering case tied to the 2021-22 Delhi excise policy, which was scrapped due to controversies surrounding its implementation. The ED claims that Kejriwal, along with other AAP leaders and government officials, was involved in a corruption scheme that exploited the excise policy for financial gain.

The excise policy aimed to liberalise alcohol sales in Delhi but was mired in allegations of bribery and financial irregularities. The Delhi Lieutenant Governor, V K Saxena, recommended a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) after concerns about discrepancies in the policy’s formulation. The CBI FIR, lodged on August 17, 2022, led to the ED opening an investigation and filing a money laundering case a week later.

Kejriwal’s role as the head of AAP has been under scrutiny. The ED argues that as the national convenor of AAP during the period of the alleged offences, Kejriwal is personally liable for any unlawful activities under the PMLA. The party, being classified as a “company” under the Representation of the People Act, is also deemed guilty of the offences, according to the ED. This broad legal interpretation has led to the prosecution sanction for Kejriwal.

The political ramifications of this development are considerable, especially as the Delhi Assembly elections approach on February 5, 2025. Kejriwal’s role in the excise policy has become a major point of contention, with the AAP accusing political opponents of attempting to tarnish his reputation ahead of the elections. Meanwhile, Kejriwal maintains his innocence, arguing that the case is politically motivated and an attempt to derail his political career.

With the ED now set to move forward with its case, the stage is set for a high-profile legal battle. Kejriwal’s legal team will likely challenge the charges in court, while his political adversaries are expected to use this case to weaken AAP’s standing in the crucial elections. The coming weeks will undoubtedly see heightened political and legal drama as the excise case unfolds.