New Delhi: The Union Home Ministry has granted approval for the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to prosecute former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with the controversial excise policy and alleged money laundering.

Sources confirm that both leaders are facing charges of alleged involvement in a money laundering scheme linked to the Delhi excise policy, which has been under intense scrutiny for alleged corruption. The ED is now authorized to take action against Kejriwal and Sisodia in the high-profile case.

The charges stem from allegations of irregularities in the formulation and execution of the Delhi government's excise policy for 2021-22, which was later scrapped. The ED has been investigating the case since 2022, after the Delhi Lieutenant Governor recommended a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This led to the ED filing a money laundering case under the PMLA on August 22, 2022, based on a CBI FIR lodged earlier that month.

The case also involves the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has been classified as an association under the Representation of the People Act. The ED claims that since Kejriwal was responsible for AAP as its national convenor, he and his party could be considered liable under the PMLA.

The prosecution approval comes ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, scheduled for February 5, 2025. Kejriwal, who has denied any wrongdoing, faces the serious charge of corruption and financial misconduct related to the excise policy, which has now been scrapped by the Delhi government.

The ED had filed a chargesheet against Kejriwal last year, following his arrest in March. Sisodia, who also faces similar allegations, is expected to face legal proceedings alongside his party leader. This move adds to the ongoing legal challenges for both leaders as the investigation into the liquor policy continues.