Satyendar Jain Granted Bail After 18 Months in Jail
Satyendar Jain, a former Delhi minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, received bail in a money laundering case. A local court granted him relief after he spent over 18 months in jail. Jain was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) more than two years ago. He walked out of Tihar Jail on Friday evening, welcomed by Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and other leaders.
In May 2023, the Supreme Court had given Jain interim bail on medical grounds. However, in March this year, his request for regular bail was denied, and he returned to Tihar.
Special judge Vishal Gogne highlighted the long delay in the trial and Jain’s extended incarceration. “Considering the 18 months of detention and the expected length of the trial, the accused is suited for bail,” he said, according to PTI.
The judge dismissed the ED’s opposition to Jain’s bail, emphasizing the importance of Article 21, which ensures the right to life and personal liberty. The court ruled that this constitutional right overrides the strict conditions of Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Jain is the third AAP leader to receive bail recently. Former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal secured bail last month, and his ex-deputy, Manish Sisodia, was granted bail in August. Both leaders faced charges related to a new liquor policy in Delhi.
AAP has consistently accused the Centre of using investigative agencies to target its leaders for political purposes. The Centre, however, denies these claims.
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, alongside Manish Sisodia and MP Sanjay Singh—who was also arrested in the liquor case—greeted Jain as he exited Tihar Jail.
The ED’s case against Jain stemmed from a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) FIR filed in 2017. Jain was accused of money laundering through companies linked to him.
“Satyamev Jayate. Long live the Constitution,” Manish Sisodia posted on X, celebrating Jain’s release. He criticized the lengthy detention, calling the allegations baseless.
Kejriwal echoed similar sentiments, welcoming Jain back.
Jain’s lawyer argued that keeping him in custody served no purpose, but the ED opposed the bail, fearing Jain might influence witnesses.
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