On March 16, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is set to undergo a crucial floor test. He informed the court via video. This development comes amidst legal proceedings stemming from the Enforcement Directorate’s recent complaint against him for skipping five summonses related to the excise policy case.

“On Saturday, a Delhi court granted Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal permission to appear in person on March 16 regarding the Enforcement Directorate’s complaint about his absence from five summonses related to the excise policy case. This decision came after Kejriwal mentioned a trust motion debate in the House today. The probe agency had issued its sixth summons to Kejriwal on Wednesday.”

Speaking through video conferencing:

the Chief Minister explained to the court that his inability to attend physically was due to the ongoing discussion on the confidence motion in the Delhi Assembly slated for today.

Kejriwal Seeks Postponement Due to Confidence Motion:

The Chief Minister expressed his regret for not being able to attend the court session today. Citing the unexpected discussion on the confidence motion in the Delhi Assembly. He highlighted the ongoing Budget Session. It will continue until March 1, suggesting that any date after that could be considered for his appearance.

Subsequently, the court scheduled Kejriwal’s physical appearance for March 16 at 10 am. This decision follows the complaint filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on February 3. On the other hand, It was against Kejriwal for failing to comply with summonses related to the liquor policy case. The complaint invoked:

Section 174 of the IPC for non-attendance in obedience to an order from a public servant and Section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

Moreover, following the court’s ruling, Kejriwal’s lawyer, Ramesh Gupta, informed: The news agency ANI that the Chief Minister’s application for exemption from personal appearance before the Rouse Avenue court was accepted.

He continued by mentioning that Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, representing the ED, did not object to the application. Gupta added:

“If all proceeds smoothly, Kejriwal is expected to appear before the court during the next hearing and should also be granted bail in this matter.”

Weeks after accusing the BJP of trying to “poach” AAP MLAs to destabilize his government in Delhi. Kejriwal introduced a confidence motion in the Delhi Assembly on Friday. During his address to the Assembly, the Chief Minister criticized the BJP-led central government. Labeling the alleged efforts to “poach” his party’s MLAs as another instance of “Operation Lotus.”

Regarding the repeated summonses from the ED:

Kejriwal has consistently argued that they constitute “illegal attempts” to arrest him. It is aimed at hindering his campaigning for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.