The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has approached the Delhi High Court challenging the discharge of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Telangana Jagruti president K. Kavita, and 20 others in the Delhi liquor scam case by the Rouse Avenue CBI Special Court. While the trial court had directed departmental inquiry against CBI officials and stayed further proceedings against them, the ED contended that the court’s discharge order could undermine linked money laundering investigations.
During Monday’s hearing, the ED, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, argued that the Delhi liquor case involved one of the largest irregularities in the capital’s history. According to the ED, the investigation revealed that Rs 100 crore was paid to AAP functionary Vijay Nair, including Rs 44.5 crore transferred via hawala channels and later routed through party funds during the Goa elections.
Mehta further pointed out that the trial court failed to adequately consider critical evidence submitted by the prosecution. This included approval vouchers and corroborating documents showing that bribes were collected by intermediaries and incorporated into the Delhi liquor policy. He stressed that the court’s discharge order ignored these materials, raising concerns over the integrity of related investigations.
The ED also highlighted WhatsApp chats and other digital communications showing how the methods described by the approvers were integrated into government approvals. According to the prosecution, these chats proved the involvement of key officials in implementing bribe-related procedures into policy recommendations submitted to the cabinet.
The ED contended that by discharging the accused without a thorough examination of the evidence, the trial court’s order risked affecting ongoing money laundering investigations linked to the liquor case. It requested the High Court to stay the trial court’s remarks and prevent interference with the investigation, which the court accepted as an interim measure.
The Delhi High Court subsequently adjourned further proceedings to March 16. Meanwhile, the ED will continue its investigation, focusing on the financial transactions and policy approvals at the heart of the liquor scam. Officials emphasized that the matter remains under close judicial scrutiny to ensure accountability and transparency in the ongoing probe.