Has Kejriwal Requested NOC for Passport Renewal?

Synopsis
In a significant legal move, former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has filed for a no-objection certificate (NOC) to renew his passport that expired back in 2018. This request comes amid ongoing judicial proceedings related to the Delhi excise policy case, raising questions about the implications for his legal status.
Key Takeaways
- Kejriwal seeks NOC for passport renewal.
- Expired passport since 2018.
- Legal implications amid ongoing corruption case.
- Next court hearing scheduled for June 4.
- 25 adjournments in the excise policy case.
New Delhi, May 29 (NationPress) Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has submitted a request for a no-objection certificate (NOC) to renew his passport, which has been expired since 2018. The application, made to satisfy the necessary legal procedures for renewing a passport during judicial custody, is presently under review by the Rouse Avenue Court.
In response, the court has issued notices to both the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), requiring them to submit their responses.
The next hearing is set for June 4.
Kejriwal is currently out on bail connected to the Delhi excise policy case. He was granted bail by the Supreme Court nearly six months after his arrest in March 2024 on allegations of money laundering and corruption associated with the now-repealed policy.
His legal representatives informed the court that since his passport expired in 2018, it must be renewed, and a judicial clearance is essential.
During the session, the CBI indicated their readiness to advance arguments concerning the framing of charges.
However, the agency raised concerns regarding the number of petitions filed in this case. They pointed out that the court had previously stated no new petitions would be entertained, yet numerous requests are still pending, according to sources.
On that same day, Kejriwal appeared before the court via video link alongside co-accused, including former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, BRS leader K. Kavitha, and others.
This hearing marked a pivotal moment in the excise policy case, which has faced extensive delays.
After more than two-and-a-half years since its initiation, the corruption case tied to the Delhi excise policy scam finally advanced on May 23.
This development followed protracted negotiations between the prosecution and defense, particularly regarding the review of documents. Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh addressed the issues that had hindered progress for nearly a year, despite the CBI concluding its investigation earlier.
The delays resulted in approximately 25 adjournments over the past 10 months, primarily due to requests for a list of arguments from the defense.