Delhi Liquor Scam: ED Gets Nod to Prosecute Kejriwal

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. ED has received approval to prosecute Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia in the Delhi liquor scam.
2. The Union Home Ministry granted the nod based on LG VK Saxena’s recommendation.
3. The Supreme Court mandated prior sanction for prosecuting public officials in its November 2023 ruling.
4. Allegations suggest policy loopholes enabled kickbacks from liquor lobbyists.
5. Both leaders have dismissed the charges as politically motivated.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Approval for Prosecution

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has secured approval to prosecute Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former minister Manish Sisodia in a money laundering case linked to the Delhi liquor policy scam. The Union Home Ministry’s decision came after Lt. Governor VK Saxena’s recommendation.

Supreme Court Directive

In November 2023, the Supreme Court ruled that prosecuting public officials requires prior approval. Following this, ED sought permission, labeling Kejriwal the “key conspirator” of the alleged scam.

The Alleged Scam

The Delhi excise policy of 2021-22 allegedly favored liquor traders in exchange for kickbacks. It is claimed that Kejriwal, Sisodia, and other AAP leaders intentionally introduced loopholes in the policy to facilitate corruption.

Arrests and Political Repercussions

ED arrested Kejriwal in March 2024, followed by a CBI arrest in June for corruption charges. Although granted bail by the Supreme Court in September, Kejriwal resigned as Chief Minister, making way for Atishi. Meanwhile, Sisodia, arrested earlier, was released on bail in August 2024.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

1. ED receives approval to prosecute Kejriwal and Sisodia.
2. Accusations include deliberate policy loopholes to enable kickbacks.
3. Supreme Court’s directive emphasized mandatory prior sanction for prosecution.
4. Details of arrests, bail, and political transitions.

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