A Delhi court on Friday granted bail to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former minister Satyendar Jain, who has been incarcerated for nearly 18 months in connection with a money laundering case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
While granting bail, the Rouse Avenue Court cited Jain's prolonged detention and referenced the Supreme Court’s ruling in the case of Manish Sisodia, emphasising the right to a speedy trial as a fundamental right.
Jain was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on May 30, 2022, on the charge of laundering money through four shell companies allegedly linked to him.
The court, while delivering its verdict, pointed out the importance of individual liberty, especially when it comes to cases governed by stringent laws like the PMLA.
The court's order heavily relied on the Supreme Court’s judgment in the Manish Sisodia case, which set a precedent regarding the right to a speedy trial.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is prosecuting the case, strongly opposed Jain’s bail application. However, the court noted that Jain has already spent a significant amount of time in custody and that the trial is unlikely to commence anytime soon, let alone be concluded in the near future.
The court concluded that based on the parameters set in the Sisodia case, Jain is entitled to bail.
The court granted bail to Jain on a personal bond of Rs 50,000. As part of the bail conditions, Jain is prohibited from contacting any witnesses or individuals related to the case and is barred from influencing the trial in any way.
Furthermore, the AAP leader has been restricted from traveling outside India without prior permission from the court.
Jain is the fourth AAP leader after Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh who has been granted bail in different money laundering cases.
