Citing SC's Arvind Kejriwal Order, HC Grants Interim Bail To Congress Leader

On Tuesday, the Punjab and Haryana High Court granted interim bail to Sadhu Singh Dharamsot, a Congress leader and former Forest Minister of Punjab. The bail was issued in a money laundering case, allowing him to participate in campaigning for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. The Court relied on the Supreme Court’s order granting interim bail to Arvind Kejriwal till June 1.

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Citing SC's Arvind Kejriwal Order, HC Grants Interim Bail to Congress Leader

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has granted interim bail to Congress leader and former Forest Minister of Punjab, Sadhu Singh Dharamsot, allowing him to campaign for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. This decision, announced on Tuesday, is aimed at enabling Dharamsot to fulfill his electoral duties amidst ongoing legal proceedings.

The High Court’s decision draws on a similar precedent set by the Supreme Court, which recently granted interim bail to Arvind Kejriwal until June 1. Citing this, the Court noted the need to ensure a fair opportunity for political participation.

Justice Vikas Bahl, in his ruling, pointed out that Dharamsot had previously been granted bail in two other cases under the same Act and had not misused this concession.

“Dharamsot had been granted bail in two other cases under the Act and had not misused this concession.”

-Court

Furthermore, the Court emphasized that Dharamsot, not being a member of the ruling party, was unlikely to influence the investigation or tamper with evidence. The Court also noted his extensive political background:

“He was a five-time ex-Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), had served as a Cabinet Minister, and had been associated with the Indian National Congress (INC) since 1992.”

-Court Added

Additionally, Justice Bahl observed that Dharamsot had complied with all summonses issued to him, indicating his cooperation with the judicial process.

“Dharamsot had not skipped any summons.”

–Justice Bahl

In light of these factors, the Court concluded that Dharamsot merited the same relief granted to Kejriwal. Consequently, the Court ordered his release on interim bail until June 6, contingent upon the furnishing of a bail bond amounting to Rs 50,000, along with one surety of the same amount.

The Court imposed strict conditions on his release, including a prohibition against making public comments on his case or attempting to influence witnesses, as well as a travel ban preventing him from leaving the country.

Dharamsot was booked and arrested in two cases under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act, and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in relation to irregularities committed in the Forest Department of Punjab and for assets disproportionate to his income.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against him, which led to his arrest on January 15 this year.