ED gets approval from home ministry to prosecute Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia in Delhi liquor policy case

In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has obtained approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to prosecute Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in connection with the money laundering case involving the now-abandoned Delhi excise policy.

This decision follows the approval of Delhi's Lieutenant Governor, VK Saxena, to pursue prosecution against Kejriwal. The latest move strengthens the ED’s case, allowing the agency to move forward with framing charges against both leaders, adding to their legal troubles ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for February 5.

The ED's approval comes after the investigation agency argued that Kejriwal is the "kingpin and key conspirator" in the alleged liquor policy scam. In response, Kejriwal filed a petition in the Delhi High Court, challenging the chargesheet submitted by the ED, claiming that it was illegal as it lacked prior sanction from the concerned authorities before filing the prosecution complaint.

The case adds pressure on Kejriwal's political prospects, with the trials likely to commence once charges are framed, potentially complicating his bid to retain his position as Delhi's Chief Minister.