Attirbution: Sankoswal
Former Delhi Minister Satyendar Jain Granted Bail After 2 Years
Former Delhi Health Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Satyendar Jain has been granted bail in a money laundering case after spending over two years in jail.
Jain was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering investigation, and after a lengthy legal battle, the court has now granted him bail, citing delays in the trial process.
Satyendar Jain’s Long Incarceration and Legal Struggles
The decision to grant bail comes after a prolonged period of legal proceedings. While the Supreme Court had initially granted Jain interim bail on medical grounds in May 2023, he returned to Tihar jail following the denial of his regular bail request in March. However, the special court, presided by Judge Vishal Gogne, considered the extended delay in the trial and Jain’s 18-month incarceration when granting the bail.
The court acknowledged that the trial process would take a long time to commence, further strengthening the case for granting relief to the former minister.
AAP Leaders Facing Legal Challenges
Satyendar Jain is the third prominent AAP leader to be granted bail in recent months. In August, former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was granted bail, followed by former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a separate money laundering case linked to the controversial liquor policy of the national capital. The AAP leadership has consistently alleged that the legal actions against them are politically motivated, accusing the central government of using investigative agencies as tools for political retribution.
The ED’s case against Jain originates from a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) First Information Report (FIR) filed in 2017, which alleged money laundering through companies linked to him. Despite raids on his residence and extensive investigations, Jain and his supporters maintain that the charges are baseless.
AAP Stands by Its Leaders
In a statement following the court’s decision, Manish Sisodia expressed relief and support for Jain, praising the judiciary for upholding truth and justice. The AAP remains resolute in defending its leaders, claiming they have been falsely targeted ahead of key electoral battles, while the central government has consistently denied any political motivation behind the cases.
With the granting of bail, Satyendar Jain now awaits the continuation of legal proceedings in what has become a high-profile case in Indian politics.
