Delhi Court releases CM Kejriwal on Bail Amidst ED’s Summon Non-Compliance Allegations

New Delhi, March 16,2024: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was granted bail by the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Court in New Delhi today in connection to two complaints filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). These complaints were lodged against Kejriwal for his purported failure to adhere to summonses pertaining to a money laundering case linked to the Excise Policy.

Following deliberations, ACMM Divya Malhotra accorded bail to Kejriwal in both instances. The conditions for his release include furnishing a bail bond of Rs. 15,000 and a surety bond of Rs. 1 Lakh. The court scheduled the next hearing in the matter for April 1.

Earlier, CBI Special Judge Rakesh Syal declined to suspend the summons issued against Kejriwal by the ACMM Court, instructing his appearance as per the scheduled date.

ED had lodged two criminal complaints against Kejriwal for allegedly disregarding summonses, prompting legal proceedings at Rouse Avenue, New Delhi, where Kejriwal was expected to appear.

Upon acknowledging ED’s complaints, the ACMM summoned Kejriwal for a personal appearance on March 16. The government’s legal representation contended that according to Section 50(3) of the Act, Kejriwal was legally obligated to adhere to the summonses, which he purportedly failed to do. It was asserted that each instance of non-compliance with summonses by a public servant constitutes a separate offense. ED contends that the Excise Policy was executed as part of a conspiracy to confer wholesale business profit of 12 percent to specific private entities. Additionally, it alleges that those accused were in communication with Kejriwal regarding the formulation of the Excise policy for 2021-22.

The bail granted to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal amid allegations of non-compliance with summonses from the ED marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings. As further hearings are slated, the matter continues to be scrutinized, signifying ongoing legal scrutiny into the allegations against Kejriwal.