Achi news desk-
GUWAHATI: The Supreme Court has granted bail to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh in a money laundering case related to Delhi’s liquor policy, after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) relented.
During the hearing, the ED raised no objection to the grant of bail, leading the court to order Singh’s release on bail while clarifying that no judgment was passed on the merits of the matter. The bench, comprising Justices Sanjeev Khanna, Dipankar Datta and PB Varale, also allowed Singh to engage in political activities during the bail period, stressing that the order would not set a precedent. However, Singh has been ordered not to make any public statements regarding the case.
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Earlier today, the bench sought directions from Additional Solicitor General SV Raju regarding further custody of Singh. Raju then informed the court that without delving into matters, he would admit to bail "Strange facts" of the case.
The court’s decision followed arguments led by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhbi, on Singh’s behalf, highlighting exculpatory statements by approver Dinesh Arora and the lack of returned funds. Singh’s arrest in October 2023 stemmed from allegations made by Arora, which was later confirmed in the case. ED alleges that Singh received Rs. 2 crores in his house on two occasions from an employee of a businessman.
Singh’s bail plea was earlier rejected by the Delhi High Court in February this year, following his arrest and remand in a money laundering case. The Supreme Court is now hearing two special leave petitions filed by Singh challenging his arrest and seeking bail.
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During the hearing, Singhvi emphasized that every AD case against Singh was based on Arora’s words, which were said only after many favorable statements. Singhvi also criticized the conduct of the ED and the alleged vendetta against Singh. He questioned the necessity of Singh’s arrest and handling of exculpatory statements by ED.
The bench, which took note of the statements of the acquittal and the absence of deposited funds, directed the legal counsel to find out whether Singh’s further arrest was necessary.
