Former Delhi Health Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Satyendar Jain has been granted bail by a local court in a money laundering case. Jain, who was arrested over two years ago by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), had been in jail since then. The court cited delays in the trial and his long period of incarceration as reasons for granting bail.
Special judge Vishal Gogne, according to news agency PTI, noted, “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.” This marks a significant development in the case, where Jain has been embroiled in legal battles for an extended period.
Jain had previously been granted interim bail on medical grounds by the Supreme Court in May 2023 but returned to Delhi’s Tihar jail after his request for regular bail was denied by the apex court in March this year.
The case against Satyendar Jain, according to the ED, is based on a 2017 First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) over alleged money laundering through companies linked to him.
Jain is the third prominent AAP leader to secure bail recently. Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was granted bail last month, while his former deputy, Manish Sisodia, received bail in August. Both were accused of involvement in a money laundering case connected to the controversial liquor policy for the national capital.
AAP leaders have consistently alleged that these arrests were politically motivated and that the central government used investigative agencies to target them ahead of electoral contests. The Centre, however, has denied these accusations.
Following the bail decision, Manish Sisodia took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his support for Jain. “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,” Sisodia wrote.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also welcomed the news, posting, “Welcome back Satyendar.”
This bail decision marks a significant relief for the AAP, which has been fighting legal battles on multiple fronts amid allegations of corruption and misuse of power.
Sources By Agencies
