Former Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain granted bail after 2 years
PTC Web Desk: A local court in New Delhi has granted bail to Satyendar Jain, a former Delhi minister and leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), in a money laundering case. Jain had been in custody for over two years following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The Supreme Court had earlier provided him with interim bail on medical grounds in May 2023, but his request for regular bail was denied in March 2023, leading to his return to Delhi’s Tihar Jail.
Special Judge Vishal Gogne, while granting bail, highlighted the prolonged delay in the trial and Jain’s lengthy incarceration. "Considering the delay in trial and long incarceration of 18 months, and the fact that the trial will take a long time to start, let alone conclude, the accused is favourably suited for the relief," Judge Gogne stated.
Satyendar Jain is the third AAP leader to receive bail recently, following party founder and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who was granted bail last month, and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who received bail in August. Both Kejriwal and Sisodia were involved in a separate money laundering case related to a new liquor policy in Delhi.
AAP leaders, including Jain, have consistently accused the Centre of using investigative agencies like the ED for political purposes. They allege that these cases are aimed at targeting the party ahead of elections. The Central Government has denied these allegations.
The money laundering case against Jain stems from a 2017 FIR filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which accused him of using companies linked to him for illegal financial activities.
Reacting to the bail decision, Manish Sisodia posted on X (formerly Twitter): "Satyamev Jayate. Long live the Constitution... Satyendar Jain was kept in jail for such a long time by making false and baseless allegations. His house was raided four times. Nothing was found, yet he was kept in jail... Thanks to the judiciary for supporting truth and justice." Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also welcomed the decision, stating, "Welcome back Satyendar."
Jain's lawyer argued that keeping him in custody served no purpose, while the ED opposed the bail, expressing concerns that Jain might influence witnesses if released.
- With inputs from agencies
