Excise Policy Case: Arvind Kejriwal Seeks Court Nod For Passport Renewal; ED, CBI Asked To Respond By June 4

Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, currently an accused in the Delhi excise policy case, on Thursday moved an application before a Delhi Court seeking a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the renewal of his passport.

Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh of Rouse Avenue Court issued notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), directing them to file their responses by June 4, the next date of hearing.

Kejriwal’s counsel informed the Court that his passport had expired in 2018, and he is seeking its renewal for a period of 10 years.

Meanwhile, the CBI informed the Court that it is prepared to argue on the framing of charges in the corruption case linked to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam.

The case involves two separate investigations, one by the CBI into alleged corruption in the formulation and implementation of the now-scrapped Delhi Excise Policy 2021–22, and the other by the ED into alleged money laundering arising from the same.

The CBI’s FIR was registered following a recommendation by Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena. Both agencies allege that irregularities were committed while modifying the excise policy, with undue benefits extended to license holders.

The policy was implemented on November 17, 2021, and was scrapped in September 2022 amid widespread allegations of corruption.