Supreme Court Grants Extension of Interim Bail to AAP Leader Satyendar Jain in Money Laundering Case
Senior Advocate Manu Singhvi Argues No Predicate Offence, CJI Explains Bench Changes Amid Medical Reasons
The Supreme Court, on Monday, prolonged the interim bail provided to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Satyendar Jain in an ongoing money laundering case. Justices Bela M. Trivedi and Satish Chandra Sharma presided over the bench, deferring the matter for further consideration after Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Jain, presented a comprehensive argument. The case is scheduled for listing tomorrow.
Senior Advocate Singhvi delved into the genesis of the case, asserting Jain’s cooperation and the absence of any predicate offence against the former minister. He emphasized that, by law, assets of a company cannot be attributed to a shareholder or director, challenging the notion of linking money to Jain when it lies within the company.
Meanwhile, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju represented the probe agency. The hearing witnessed several twists as Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud clarified the bench change, citing a matter related to bail extension. CJI also referred to communication from Justice AS Bopanna, indicating his inability to hear the matter due to medical reasons, leading to the alteration in the bench composition.
Jain’s bail plea was initially heard by Justices AS Bopanna and Bela M. Trivedi but is now before Justice Trivedi and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma. Jain, who underwent surgery on July 21, has seen his interim bail extended periodically on medical grounds. Initially granted for six weeks on May 26, the Supreme Court imposed conditions, restricting media interactions and travel without permission.
The court granted Satyendra Jain the right to choose any hospital for medical treatment, emphasizing that interim bail is considered in medical conditions. Jain, seeking bail in money laundering cases, challenges the Delhi High Court’s dismissal of his plea. The High Court had cited Jain’s influence and potential evidence tampering in rejecting the bail application. Jain, in his bail plea, detailed cooperation with investigations and significant weight loss due to his medical condition.
The Supreme Court had reserved the Delhi High Court’s order for March 21, highlighting the ASG’s argument that money laundering allegations were crystal clear. Jain was arrested on May 30, 2022, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) based on a CBI complaint. The case alleges Jain’s acquisition of movable properties between February 14, 2015, and May 31, 2017, which he could not account for satisfactorily.
