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Delhi HC Gives Kejriwal, Sisodia and Others Until April 2 to Answer ED Plea on Expunging Trial-Court Remarks

The court will set a hearing timeline after receiving responses to the ED’s bid to delete 18 passages viewed as prejudicial.

Overview

  • Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma permitted replies from all 23 discharged accused and listed the matter for further proceedings on April 2.
  • The Enforcement Directorate says the trial court exceeded its remit by making adverse comments on ED’s work in a CBI case without hearing the agency, breaching natural justice.
  • ASG S V Raju told the High Court the remarks could be cited before the PMLA appellate tribunal and risk prejudicing ongoing money-laundering proceedings.
  • The February 27 Rouse Avenue order ran nearly 600 pages, discharged all 23 accused, and cautioned against using PMLA to police electoral funding or criminalise electoral competition.
  • Earlier, the High Court had prima facie termed the remarks against ED “foundationally misconceived” and indicated it will fix a final hearing schedule after pleadings are complete.