Court Rejects Stay Plea by Amanatullah Khan in Waqf Case

Aam Aadmi Party MLA Amanatullah Khan Faces Money
Laundering Charges

Delhi High Court Seeks ED’s Response

In a significant development, the Delhi High Court on Tuesday refused to stay proceedings
against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan, who is facing allegations of money
laundering in connection with irregularities in the Delhi Waqf Board. The court instead sought a
response from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and scheduled October 28 as the next hearing
date.

Khan petitioned the High Court to set aside the city court’s July 31 order, which upheld
magistrate court’s decision to issue summons to him. The ED had filed a complaint against Khan
for allegedly evading 14 summons related to its investigation into the Waqf Board irregularities.

The High Court rejected Khan’s plea, stating that the trial court had properly considered the
evidence and found sufficient grounds to proceed with the case. Khan’s counsel argued that the

summoning order was unlawful and that his client had provided valid explanations for his non-
appearance.

ED’s Case Against Khan

The ED’s probe against Khan stems from a 2016 Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case
accusing him of illegally appointing people to the Delhi Waqf Board and causing financial loss to
the Delhi government. Khan is also alleged to have illegally leased out properties belonging to
the Waqf Board.

The ED’s complaint against Khan was filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act
(PMLA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The PMLA empowers the ED to investigate and
prosecute individuals involved in money laundering activities.

Khan’s Defense

Khan’s defense is based on the claim that he had complied with all summons issued to him by
the ED. His counsel argued that the Supreme Court had directed Khan to appear before the ED
on April 18, 2024, and that he had fulfilled this obligation.
However, the ED maintains that Khan had deliberately evaded summonses and that the trial
court’s decision to issue summons was justified.

The Road Ahead

The Delhi High Court’s decision to seek the ED’s response indicates that the case is likely to
continue. The outcome of the case could have significant implications for the AAP government
and the Delhi Waqf Board.