Excise Policy Case: Delhi HC Permits Accused Amit Arora To Travel Dubai For Treatment

Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court on Thursday permitted Amit Arora, an accused in the Delhi Excise Policy-linked money laundering case, to travel to Dubai between June 6 and June 16 for medical treatment for himself and his minor son.

Permission Granted With Conditions

Justice Ravinder Dudeja granted the relief after hearing an application filed on Arora’s behalf by advocate Prabhav Ralli. The court directed the suspension of the Look-Out Circular (LOC) issued against Arora during this period and allowed the release of his passport.

The permission was granted subject to specific conditions, including the furnishing of a fixed deposit receipt (FDR) worth ₹20 lakh as a security measure. Arora’s counsel has been directed to appear before the Joint Registrar to comply with all conditions laid down by the court.

Arora Cites Medical Necessity

Advocate Prabhav Ralli submitted that the travel was essential due to pressing medical needs and emphasized that Arora does not pose a flight risk. “All necessary details have been disclosed in the petition,” Ralli told the court.

Arora had previously been granted interim bail on medical grounds and was later granted regular bail by the Delhi High Court on September 17, 2024.

Background

Amit Arora is the Director of Gurugram-based Buddy Retail Pvt Ltd and is one of the key accused in the high-profile Delhi excise policy money laundering case. The case is being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The probe has roped in several major political figures, including former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, and AAP MP Sanjay Singh. Both the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have filed charge sheets after concluding their investigations.

In a related development, the Supreme Court had recently granted bail to Manish Sisodia in the excise policy matter, signaling a shift in the legal course for several accused.

Legal Path Forward

The Delhi High Court’s order, while temporary, provides significant relief to Arora, enabling him to travel overseas despite ongoing legal proceedings. The case continues to evolve as enforcement agencies pursue charges against multiple individuals involved in the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy.

Arora’s compliance with the court’s conditions during this travel period will be closely monitored and could influence future applications by co-accused seeking similar relief.