Delhi HC Grants Kejriwal, Sisodia More Time on ED Plea Over Adverse Observations

The Delhi High Court has extended the deadline for Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia to respond to an ED plea challenging a trial court's remarks in the Excise Policy case. The court will consider ED's arguments first and set a timeline for detailed hearings post-reply submissions.

The Delhi High Court provided former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and ex-Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, among others, additional time to counter an Enforcement Directorate's (ED) petition. The plea challenges adverse remarks by a trial court in the Excise Policy case. The court, presided over by Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, noted the complexity due to the lengthy trial court judgment.

Respondent counsels highlighted the voluminous nature of the judgment, urging the case to be scheduled after related CBI proceedings. However, the court indicated it will first review pleadings. The court clarified its intent to establish a detailed argument schedule post-reply reviews and will preliminarily consider ED's arguments before the timeline decision.

The ED seeks to expunge certain trial court observations deemed sweeping and baseless, arguing they were made without examining its investigation under the PMLA. The agency claims these remarks violated natural justice and could prejudice ongoing cases. Respondents argue the remarks reflect comprehensive evidence evaluation, integral to the trial court's reasoning.

(With inputs from agencies.)