Delhi Court grants bail to former Minister and AAP leader Satyendar Jain in money laundering case

Mr. Jain was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on May 30, 2022, on the charge of laundering money through four companies allegedly linked to him

A Delhi court on Friday (October 18, 2024) granted bail to AAP leader and former Delhi Cabinet minister Satyendar Jain in a money laundering case, citing “delay in trial” and his “long incarceration”.

Mr. Jain was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on May 30, 2022, on the charge of laundering money through four companies allegedly linked to him. He is currently in judicial custody. Special Judge Rakesh Syal had reserved the order after hearing the arguments on the application from the accused as well as the ED.

Mr. Jain’s counsel had told the court that no purpose would be served by keeping him in further custody.“

Considering the delay in trial and long incarceration of 18 months, and the fact that trail will take long to start, let alone conclude, accused is favourably suited for the relief,” said Special Judge Vishal Gogne.

The judge granted the relief on a bail bond Rs 50,000 with two sureties of like amount.

The ED had opposed the application, saying that if released, Mr. Jain may influence the witnesses or flee from justice.

The ED case stems from an FIR lodged against Mr. Jain by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in 2017 under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Published - October 18, 2024 04:46 pm IST