In a significant development ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2024, the Supreme Court has granted bail to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sanjay Singh. This decision comes after six months of his detention in a money laundering case. The bail was granted based on a concession given by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), allowing Singh to engage in political activities. He is set to be released under the terms and conditions established by the trial court.
Sanjay Singh’s release marks a milestone as he becomes the first AAP leader to secure regular bail in the liquorgate scandal. While Singh is set to be freed, his colleagues including Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, former deputy Manish Sisodia, and former health minister Satyendar Jain remain in judicial custody over the same case.
The Supreme Court’s order stated, “Leave granted. In the morning session, Id ASG SV Raju was asked to obtain instructions. He states they have no objections if Sanjay Singh is released on bail in proceedings arising out of FIR so and so PMLA case. In view of the statement made, we allow the present appeal (bail matter) and direct that Sanjay Singh be released on bail during the pendency of trial on terms and conditions set by the trial court.”
A bench comprising Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Justice Dipankar Datta, and Justice PB Varale heard Singh’s plea challenging his arrest and remand in the money laundering case. The bench highlighted that no money had been recovered from Singh’s possession and emphasized that the allegation of him receiving a Rs 2 crore bribe could be tested during the trial.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had alleged that Singh was involved in various activities related to acquiring, possessing, concealing, dissipating, and using proceeds of the crime generated from the Delhi liquor scam during the policy period of 2021-22. The agency further accused Singh of gaining illegal money or kickbacks from the liquor policy scam and conspiring with others.
The ED’s money laundering case originates from the FIR filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). According to both the CBI and the ED, irregularities were committed during the modification of the now-scrapped Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22, with undue favors allegedly extended to license holders.
As Sanjay Singh prepares to be released on bail, the legal battle surrounding the liquorgate scandal continues to unfold, with the Supreme Court’s decision marking a significant development in the ongoing case.
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