The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has once again summoned Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with an ongoing investigation into the now-scrapped liquor policy. Kejriwal, who is also the national convenor of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has been asked to appear before the central probe agency on February 19.

This marks the sixth time Kejriwal has been called upon by the agency to appear for questioning. He was earlier called on February 2, January 18 and January 3 this year and December 21 and November 2 in 2023. The CM has always termed these notices “illegal”.

The sixth summons comes days after a Delhi court, acting on a complaint filed by the ED, asked Kejriwal to appear before it on February 17. The court noted that prima facie the AAP chief was “legally bound” to comply.

In its complaint, the ED alleged that the Delhi chief minister intentionally disobeyed the summons and kept on giving “lame excuses.” If a high-ranking public functionary like him disobeyed the law, it would “set a wrong example for the common man i.e. the Aam Aadmi,” the agency said.

“From the contents of the complaint and the material placed on record, prima facie offence under Section 174 of the IPC is made out and there are sufficient grounds for proceeding against accused Arvind Kejriwal…

“Accordingly, issue summons to accused Arvind Kejriwal for the offence under Section 174 of the IPC for February 17, 2024,” the judge said.

Kejriwal had earlier written a letter to the ED, terming the summonses as “illegal and politically motivated”. He alleged they were aimed at preventing him from campaigning in elections.