RK Arora-Supertech Chairman petitioned the Delhi High Court for statutory bail, arguing that the ED’s investigation against him remains unfinished.
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NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court declined the statutory bail plea on Tuesday (March 5th) submitted by Ram Kishor Arora, the Chairman of Supertech, in connection with a money laundering case initiated against him by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri dismissed Arora’s bail petition on March 5, asserting,
“I find no merit in the petition and the same is accordingly dismissed. Pending application is disposed of as infructuous.”
Supertech and its affiliated companies stand accused of defrauding over 800 homebuyers of Rs 228 crores. Following complaints from the homebuyers, 26 First Information Reports (FIRs) were lodged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code across Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
Arora was apprehended by the ED in June 2023. A complaint was filed against him on August 24, 2023, and the court took cognizance of the matter on September 26, 2023. He argued that at the time of filing the complaint, the investigation was ongoing, and crucial evidence, such as the FSL report, was not yet available.
The Court was informed that even after the complaint was lodged, the investigative agency summoned Anil Kumar Jain, a director at Supertech, indicating that inquiries were still underway, including those involving Arora.
Upon weighing these arguments, Justice Ohri acknowledged the ED’s contention that summoning other directors did not necessarily imply that the investigation against Arora remained incomplete, as the authority retains the right to continue its inquiries under the law.
“In this instance, the respondent has already furnished the necessary documents for obtaining expert opinion from the FSL. However, the timing of the FSL report’s completion is beyond the control of the investigating agency, although measures can be taken to expedite the process. It is firmly asserted by the respondent that the investigation concerning the petitioner has concluded. Merely summoning another individual or seeking court permission to present additional evidence, absent other compelling grounds, does not warrant the petitioner’s entitlement to automatic bail,”
-the Court remarked.
Consequently, the Court dismissed the plea for statutory bail.
CASE TITLE:
Mr Ram Kishor Arora v Directorate of Enforcement & Anr.
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