Today, On 20th January, The Delhi High Court asked the state to respond to the bail plea filed by AAP MLA Naresh Balyan. Balyan was arrested on December 4, 2024, on charges of being connected to a criminal syndicate led by gangster Kapil Sangwan. The court’s direction came as part of the ongoing proceedings regarding his bail request.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court requested the State’s response to a bail application submitted by Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Naresh Balyan, who is facing arrest in connection with a case filed under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).
A trial court in Delhi had previously denied Balyan’s bail plea earlier this month, leading the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader to seek relief from the High Court.
Justice Vikas Mahajan issued a notice regarding Balyan’s regular bail plea and asked for the Public Prosecutor’s response for the State of Delhi.
Also Read: Court Sends AAP MLA Naresh Balyan to Judicial Custody: ‘No Further Police Remand Granted’
The case is scheduled for a hearing on January 23.
Balyan arrested on December 4, 2024, amid allegations of his involvement with a criminal syndicate led by gangster Kapil Sangwan.
Judge Kaveri Baweja rejected Balyan’s bail application, citing sufficient evidence linking the AAP leader to Sangwan’s organized crime group.
The judge further noted the stringent bail conditions under MCOCA, stating that Balyan did not meet the necessary criteria for release. She expressed concerns that there was no indication Balyan was not guilty of the alleged offenses and suggested he might commit similar offenses if granted bail.
Additionally, she concurred with the State’s argument that he could potentially influence witnesses and disrupt the trial. Prior to this, Balyan had obtained bail in an extortion case on December 4, only to be arrested again hours later in connection with the MCOCA case.
During today’s hearing, Senior Advocate Vikas Pahwa, representing Balyan, argued that the AAP leader should not remain in custody, claiming there is no substantial evidence against him.
He urged the High Court to grant Balyan interim relief, especially with the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections in mind.
Also Read : MCOCA | Delhi Court Denies Bail to AAP MLA Naresh Balyan in Extortion Case
Pahwa stated,
“I (referring to Naresh Balyan) am not a criminal … The entire objective will be frustrated. At least I could participate in elections, help my wife (who is contesting elections).”
Naresh Balyan is a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). He represents the Najafgarh constituency in the Delhi Legislative Assembly. Balyan has been actively involved in Delhi’s politics, and his role is often focused on issues related to the development and welfare of his constituency. He is known for his support of the AAP’s policies, which prioritize education, healthcare, and infrastructure improvements.
Case Title: Naresh Balyan v. State NCT of Delhi