The Delhi High Court, on Nov 19th, has issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate regarding Satyendar Jain’s request to defer arguments on charges in a money laundering case until the investigation concludes. Despite the petition arguing that ongoing evidence could impact the trial, the court will not stay the trial proceedings. A hearing is set for December 10.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Tuesday (Nov 19th) issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding former Delhi Cabinet Minister Satyendar Jain’s petition to defer arguments on charges in a money laundering case. Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri sought the ED’s response and scheduled the next hearing for December 10. However, the court declined to stay the trial court proceedings in the interim.
Jain’s counsel argued that
“the investigation is continuing, and it would be in the interest of justice that arguments on charge are heard only once the investigation is complete.”
The petition emphasized that evidence from further investigation could impact the trial, particularly if it uncovers exculpatory material.
The plea highlighted that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is still gathering records and examining witnesses related to the predicate offence, involving extensive documentation and multiple transactions. Jain’s legal team argued that the trial court should consider the findings of this ongoing investigation when forming its prima facie opinion.
In October, the trial court granted bail to Jain after 18 months of incarceration, citing the lack of trial progress. The court noted, “The trial is yet to begin, let alone conclude.” Jain was arrested by the ED in May 2022 on charges of laundering proceeds of crime through four alleged associate companies.
Brief Background
Delhi Minister Satyendar Jain was arrested by the ED under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act after questioning in a case linked to alleged disproportionate assets from a 2017 CBI FIR. The AAP termed it a politically motivated move ahead of Himachal Pradesh polls. Jain is accused of laundering funds through entities linked to him.
The outcome of the December 10 hearing will determine whether Jain’s request for deferral impacts the timeline of the trial proceedings, which have already seen significant delays.
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