Supreme Court Extends Interim Bail for Ex-Delhi Minister Satyendar Jain in Money Laundering Case
The Supreme Court has extended the interim bail granted to former Delhi Minister Satyendar Jain until September 1, 2023, in connection with a money laundering case. The decision comes after Jain’s legal team cited medical grounds for the extension, emphasizing his ongoing rehabilitation after a significant spinal operation.
Senior Advocate Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Jain, highlighted the former minister’s medical condition and the necessity of his rehabilitation. In response, Additional Solicitor-General SV Raju vehemently opposed the extension, stating,
“Please ask him to surrender and fix the matter. He should be treated like an ordinary prisoner. Not a case of medical bail. Extension not justified, even for a day.”
The ASG further remarked on Jain’s request for specific facilities, commenting,
“He wants a swimming pool in jail. Not everyone can afford this. If required, if that’s a part of his physical therapy, we can take him to a swimming pool.” He also added, “Look at the type of medical advice. Shower – standing. Showers are usually had standing.”
Justice Sundresh, responding to the ASG’s comments in a lighter vein, mentioned,
“What to do? If he does physiotherapy in jail, you’ll take photos and publish them.”
To which the ASG retorted,
“His co-accused are doing that.”
Initially, the bench was inclined to order Jain to surrender by September 5, with his main bail application to be considered approximately a week later. However, after Dr. Singhvi’s objections and readiness to argue the case for bail on its merits, the court revised its decision, extending Jain’s interim bail until September 1, the same day his main application will be heard.
The backdrop of this case dates back to 2017 when the Central Bureau of Investigation accused Jain and others of laundering money amounting to Rs 11.78 crore between 2010-2012 and Rs 4.63 crores during 2015-16, when he had assumed the role of a minister in the Delhi government. Allegations suggest that Jain had channeled money through Kolkata-based entry operators of various shell companies, which was then allegedly re-routed as investments in Jain-linked companies after ‘layering them through shell companies’. The Directorate of Enforcement’s case, based on the CBI complaint, alleges further financial irregularities involving Jain.
In 2022, properties worth Rs. 4.81 crores linked to five companies were attached by the ED in connection with the money laundering case against Jain and others. The Aam Aadmi Party leader was taken into custody on May 30, 2022. Subsequent bail applications were denied by both a trial court and the Delhi High Court, citing Jain’s influence and potential for evidence tampering. However, in May, a vacation bench headed by Justice JK Maheshwari granted interim bail to Jain on medical grounds, which was later extended earlier this month.
The case continues to draw significant attention, with the Supreme Court’s upcoming decisions set to play a pivotal role in determining the course of events.
