Today(on 10th June),The Supreme Court adjourned the hearing on Punjab AAP MLA Jaswant Singh Gajjan Majra’s plea challenging his arrest and remand by the Enforcement Directorate to June 18, citing the absence of a rejoinder and highlighting similarities to the Arvind Kejriwal case.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court today(on 10th June), adjourns the hearing on Punjab Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Jaswant Singh Gajjan Majra’s plea challenging his arrest and subsequent remand by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering probe linked to a bank fraud case.
The hearing has now been rescheduled to June 18.
A vacation bench comprising Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Augustine George Masih observed that the AAP MLA had not filed a rejoinder in the case, prompting the adjournment. At the outset, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the ED, emphasized the importance of Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and the sufficiency of grounds for the arrest.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated-
“The focal point of the issue concerns Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and the adequacy of grounds for the arrest.”
He also noted the parallels between this case and the ongoing matter involving Arvind Kejriwal, where a judgment is pending.
Senior advocate Vikram Chaudhary, representing the Punjab AAP MLA, contended that the issues are not similar to the Arvind Kejriwal case.
He argued-
“The primary rationale behind the remand is non-appearance, distinguishing it from the other instance.”
Following the arguments, the apex court sought to determine whether the pleadings in the matter were complete. The court’s decision to adjourn the hearing was influenced by the need to ensure that all documents and rejoinders were adequately filed and reviewed before proceeding.
Jaswant Singh Gajjan Majra, an MLA from Punjab, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate as part of a money laundering investigation connected to a bank fraud case. The arrest and subsequent remand have raised significant legal questions regarding the application of Section 19 of the PMLA, which deals with the powers of the ED to arrest individuals involved in money laundering activities.
The Supreme Court of India has deferred the bail hearing of Punjab AAP MLA Gajjan Majra to June 18 after being informed that a rejoinder is yet to be filed. This adjournment follows the court’s earlier decision to deny interim bail to Majra, preventing him from campaigning in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.
In its previous ruling, the Supreme Court emphasized-
“The Punjab and Haryana High Court previously rejected his petition contesting the arrest, asserting its legality.”
This decision underscored the legal legitimacy of Majra’s arrest in connection with the allegations of bank fraud.
The legal troubles for Gajjan Majra began in May last year when the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted extensive raids on properties linked to him. These raids were part of an investigation into an alleged bank fraud amounting to Rs 40 crore. The CBI’s actions marked the beginning of a series of legal challenges for the MLA.
In September 2022, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) intensified the scrutiny by conducting raids on multiple premises associated with Majra. These raids were part of a money laundering probe connected to the alleged bank loan fraud. During these operations, the ED team seized significant assets, including Rs 32 lakh in cash, several mobile phones, and hard drives.
“The ED’s proactive measures in seizing cash and electronic devices play a vital role in uncovering the scale of money laundering associated with the alleged bank fraud.”
-remarked a senior official involved in the investigation.
The seizure of these items is expected to provide substantial evidence in the ongoing investigation.
Gajjan Majra, a prominent figure in Punjab’s political landscape and a key member of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has continuously denied the allegations, asserting his innocence.
“I maintain complete trust in the judiciary, confident that the truth will ultimately prevail.”
-he stated, maintaining that the charges are politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing his reputation.
Despite these claims, the legal proceedings have continued to progress, with the Supreme Court playing a critical role in determining the course of the case. The adjournment to June 18 provides both the prosecution and defense additional time to prepare their arguments and submit necessary documents, including the anticipated rejoinder.
ALSO READ: [Money-Laundering Case] SC Demands ED Response to AAP MLA Jaswant Singh’s Arrest Plea by June 7th
The political implications of this case are significant, as it involves a sitting MLA from a party that has been gaining substantial traction in Punjab. The outcome of the bail hearing and subsequent legal processes will not only impact Gajjan Majra’s political career but also the broader political dynamics in the region.
