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Synopsis

Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister of Delhi, has approached the Sessions Court challenging the summons issued against him by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Divya Malhotra of the Rouse Avenue Court dated March 7, after a complaint was lodged by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) concerning Excise Policy Case.

In response to the ED's complaint, Chief Minister Kejriwal faced accusations of non-compliance with summonses related to the Delhi excise policy case. The ED's complaint alleged repeated failure by Kejriwal to adhere to the agency's summonses concerning a money laundering investigation associated with the now-defunct policy, leading to the issuance of multiple summonses against him.

Scheduled for a hearing on March 16, the matter attracted significant attention as it coincided with the ED's original complaint on the same subject. Kejriwal's challenge, expected to be presented before Special Judge Rakesh Syal of the Rouse Avenue Court, emphasized the seriousness of the legal proceedings.

Earlier, ACMM Malhotra had granted Kejriwal a day's exemption from personal appearance concerning the ED's initial complaint, shedding light on the legal maneuvering preceding this formal challenge.

Kejriwal's request for interrogation after March 12 regarding the excise policy issue, following repeated summonses by the ED, highlighted strategic planning within his legal defense.

The ED's repeated summonses, issued on January 13 and January 18, with subsequent directives on February 2 and January 31, underscored the persistent legal pressure on Kejriwal. The agency's accusations of deliberate non-compliance and criticisms of offering "lame excuses" heightened the contentious nature of the legal battle, especially given Kejriwal's prominent public position.

Case Title: Enforcement Directorate v Arvind Kejriwal