Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Thursday sought exemption from personal appearance before a Delhi court in the money laundering case linked to the excise policy probe.
Both leaders cited their ongoing engagement in flood relief operations in Punjab as the reason for their absence.
Court Grants Relief
The case, registered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, was listed before Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh at the Rouse Avenue court. After considering the applications, the judge allowed the exemption and adjourned the matter to October 29 for further hearing.
This case also remains under consideration before the Delhi High Court, where an appeal has been filed against an earlier order of the special court. At the trial court, the proceedings are currently focused on the scrutiny of documents submitted by the Enforcement Directorate.
Grounds For Exemption
Advocates appearing for Kejriwal told the court that the Aam Aadmi Party chief could not be present due to the “unprecedented floods” in Punjab. His application said he was visiting flood-affected areas to coordinate relief measures and provide immediate assistance to victims.
Sisodia, in his separate application, also cited the same reason. His counsel submitted that the former Deputy CM is in Punjab, which has been hit by severe flash floods affecting multiple districts.
“The Applicant is currently the Prabhari (In-Charge) of the Aam Aadmi Party for the State of Punjab, and in pursuance of his responsibilities and obligations in that capacity, he has travelled to Punjab to extend assistance, support, and relief to the affected residents,” Sisodia’s plea stated.
Accused In Excise Policy Case
The money laundering probe stems from the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy, which investigative agencies allege was manipulated to benefit certain liquor traders. Kejriwal, Sisodia, BRS leader K. Kavitha, businessman Sameer Mahendru, AAP MP Sanjay Singh and several others have been named as accused in the case.
ED alleged that proceeds of crime generated through the policy were routed through intermediaries and used for political and personal gains. All the accused, including the AAP leaders, have denied the charges and claimed political vendetta.
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