Shillong, October 5: In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is set to formally declare the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as an accused in the alleged Delhi liquor policy scam.
As per India Today, this move follows a directive from the Supreme Court, which questioned the omission of AAP, believed to be a beneficiary, as an accused in the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) case.
During a hearing presided over by Justices Sanjeev Khanna and SV Bhatti, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, representing both the CBI and ED, faced queries from the bench. The court raised concerns, asking why the political party allegedly receiving proceeds of crime had not been included as an accused in the PMLA case. The justices sought clarification on this matter.
The legal battle also involves two petitions filed by Sisodia, a key figure in AAP, challenging the Delhi High Court’s decisions to deny him bail in cases under investigation by both the CBI and ED.
Furthermore, the bench delved into the issue of the justiciability of cabinet notes and decisions. It questioned whether there were Constitution bench judgments that restricted the examination of cabinet notes, but wondered if these restrictions applied to Delhi since it is a Union Territory.
In a related development, AAP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate after a lengthy interrogation at his Delhi residence. This arrest was connected to a money laundering case linked to the Delhi liquor policy.
Reacting to these developments, Delhi Education Minister Atishi criticized the ED’s actions, alleging a lack of evidence against Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh. She characterized the move as a new propaganda effort by the ED.
Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal also weighed in, asserting the party’s commitment to honesty. He criticized the Centre and labeled Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the most corrupt leader since India’s independence, citing the ongoing investigations and arrests in the liquor case as evidence.
Kejriwal emphasized AAP’s dedication to integrity, expressing the belief that following the path of honesty, despite its challenges, is essential for the party’s mission.