Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 11: In a new legal setback for AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, a Delhi court has directed the registration of an FIR against the former Chief Minister for allegedly misusing public money by putting up large hoardings in Dwarka.

The Rouse Avenue court issued the order on Tuesday, asking the Delhi Police to file a compliance report by March 18. The decision came after the court accepted a plea from Shiv Kumar Saxena, who accused Kejriwal of wasting public funds on the hoardings.

The complaint, which dates back to 2019, had also sought action against Gulab Singh, the then legislator from Matiala, and Nitika Sharma, the councillor from Dwarka. Saxena’s initial complaint was rejected by a magistrate, prompting him to take the matter to the Sessions Court. The Sessions Court ruled that a cognizable offence had likely been committed, leading to the recent direction for an FIR.

Kejriwal, who is currently out on bail in a money laundering case related to the now-cancelled excise policy, faces multiple legal challenges. The former Delhi CM is currently dealing with 14 criminal cases, including one from the 2014 Lok Sabha elections in Amethi and others related to alleged irregularities in the Delhi Excise Policy.

In his affidavit filed with his election nomination papers in January 2024, Kejriwal disclosed 13 pending criminal cases. The affidavit also revealed his and his wife, Sunita Kejriwal's financial assets, including movable and immovable assets worth several lakhs and crores, respectively.

Kejriwal was granted bail by the Supreme Court in September 2024, ending his long incarceration, which began in March 2024 when he was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and later by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). During the Lok Sabha elections, he was granted interim bail for 21 days to campaign for his party candidates.

The FIR registration adds to the list of challenges facing the AAP leader, as legal proceedings continue to unfold.