New Delhi: In a significant development in the Delhi excise policy scam, the Union Home Ministry has approved the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to prosecute AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia under money laundering charges.

This move intensifies legal troubles for the two leaders, who are already under scrutiny in the case.

Home Ministry’s Approval Post LG’s Recommendation

The Home Ministry’s decision follows a recommendation from Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) V.K. Saxena, who had earlier approved the prosecution against Kejriwal.

This comes after a Supreme Court directive in November 2023, mandating prior approval for prosecuting public officials under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED, in its correspondence with the LG, alleged that Kejriwal was the “kingpin and main conspirator” of the scam.

Following this, the LG greenlit the prosecution request, which has now been backed by the Home Ministry.

Kejriwal’s Legal Challenge

In response to the allegations, Kejriwal approached the Delhi High Court, claiming that the chargesheet filed by the ED was unlawful as the required prior approval was not obtained.

The legal battle is expected to escalate with the Home Ministry’s latest nod.

Allegations Against Kejriwal

Arvind Kejriwal and other AAP leaders are accused of deliberately creating loopholes in the Delhi excise policy to benefit liquor lobbyists in exchange for bribes.

Timeline of Arrests: Kejriwal was first arrested by the ED on March 21, 2024, in connection with money laundering. On June 26, 2024, the CBI arrested him for alleged corruption.

Currently out on bail, Kejriwal continues to deny the charges, calling them politically motivated.

What’s Next?

The approval for prosecution adds a new dimension to the investigation, strengthening the ED’s case against Kejriwal and Sisodia. With the legal framework now in place, the agency is expected to proceed with its case in court, focusing on uncovering the alleged financial irregularities.

This development comes as a major setback for the AAP leadership, potentially impacting its political image and raising questions about governance and accountability. As the case unfolds, all eyes will be on the judiciary and the defense strategies adopted by the accused.