New Delhi , 1 April : The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued a notice to former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on a plea filed by the Enforcement Directorate challenging his acquittal in cases related to alleged non-compliance with summons under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in the excise policy matter.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma heard the case and noted that despite advance notice, no one appeared on behalf of Arvind Kejriwal during the proceedings. Advocate Zoheb Hossain appeared for the ED.
The court has sought the trial court records and scheduled the next hearing for April 29.
The ED has moved the High Court against the trial court’s decision acquitting Kejriwal in two cases concerning his alleged failure to comply with repeated summons during the investigation. The agency maintains that he deliberately did not appear before it.
On January 22, 2026, the trial court acquitted Kejriwal, stating that the ED had failed to establish intentional disobedience of summons. Earlier, in February 2024, the agency had approached the trial court alleging non-compliance during the course of its money laundering probe.
Background of Excise Policy Case
The case originates from alleged irregularities in the formulation and implementation of Delhi’s 2022 excise policy. The issue was first flagged by the Lieutenant Governor, following which the Central Bureau of Investigation registered an FIR citing procedural lapses and alleged undue benefits to certain license holders.
Investigating agencies have alleged the reduction or waiver of licence fees, the extension of licences without approval, and the routing of unlawful gains through false accounting entries.
The ED subsequently initiated a money laundering probe and named multiple individuals, including Kejriwal, who was later arrested and granted bail by the Supreme Court of India after several months in custody.
On February 27, the trial court discharged Kejriwal, former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, and 21 others in the related CBI case, citing lack of sufficient evidence.
