The Supreme Court has taken up the bail plea of former Delhi minister Satyendar Jain in a money laundering case being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). A bench consisting of Justices AS Bopanna and Hima Kohli has issued a notice to the ED, seeking its response on the matter. The court has also granted Jain the liberty to approach the vacation bench for relief.
Jain’s counsel, senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, informed the court that his client has experienced a significant deterioration in his health, having lost 35 kg and become emaciated. Jain is also suffering from various ailments. Singhvi’s submission highlights the deteriorating health condition of the former minister, which he believes should be a significant factor in considering Jain’s bail plea.
On behalf of the ED, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju opposed Jain’s plea, stating that they are on caveat. The ED stands firm in its opposition to granting bail to Jain in the money laundering case.
The bench did not provide a specific date for the next hearing but directed Jain to approach the vacation bench of the Supreme Court for any relief he seeks. This indicates that Jain may have to wait for a further hearing to present his case for bail.
Previously, on April 6, 2023, the Delhi High Court had dismissed Jain’s bail plea in the money laundering case. The high court cited the witnesses’ claims that Jain was allegedly the mastermind, initiator, and source of funds in the alleged crime. Furthermore, the court considered Jain’s influential position, which raised concerns about the possibility of him tampering with evidence.
Jain was arrested by the ED in connection with the money laundering case, which stemmed from a CBI FIR filed against him in 2017 under the Prevention of Corruption Act. However, Jain was granted regular bail by a trial court on September 6, 2019, in the case registered by the CBI.
In 2022, the trial court took cognizance of the prosecution complaint (charge sheet) filed by the ED against Jain, his wife, and eight others, including four firms, in connection with the money laundering case.
The Supreme Court’s decision to seek the ED’s response on Jain’s bail plea indicates that the case is still under consideration, and further legal proceedings will determine the outcome. Jain’s health condition and the nature of the alleged crime will likely be significant factors in the court’s decision regarding his bail.
