HC gives Kejriwal 4 weeks to reply to pleas against acquittal

What happened: Delhi High Court grants time to respond to ED pleas against acquittal

The Delhi High Court granted former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal four weeks to respond to Enforcement Directorate (ED) pleas challenging his acquittal in two cases linked to the excise policy matter. The High Court indicated that the ED pleas are likely to be taken up in September.

ED’s allegation in the High Court proceedings is that Arvind Kejriwal intentionally avoided joining the ED probe by not complying with ED summons.

The trial court’s finding, as presented in the High Court proceedings, was that ED failed to prove deliberate disobedience.

Background and earlier position: ED’s intent-based allegation vs trial court’s finding

Summons-related investigation cases often involve a fact question about intent. In these excise policy-linked cases, ED argued that Arvind Kejriwal’s non-compliance indicated intent to avoid the ED investigation. The trial court concluded that ED did not establish deliberate disobedience.