In a significant development, the Delhi High Court has denied bail to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sanjay Singh, who has been incarcerated in a money laundering case linked to the Delhi excise policy ‘scam’. Sanjay Singh, arrested on October 4 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), had sought bail on the grounds of prolonged custody without specific attribution of involvement in the predicate offense.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, delivering the verdict, stated, “No ground for grant of bail to the accused at this stage is made out,” as reported by PTI. A detailed copy of the judgement is awaited. Singh’s plea for bail emphasized his extended detention without clear evidence linking him to the alleged crime.
The prosecution, representing the probe agency, opposed Singh’s bail plea, asserting his purported involvement in various aspects of the scam, including the acquisition, possession, concealment, and utilization of proceeds of crime generated from the policy irregularities.
The 51-year-old politician’s arrest and subsequent denial of bail by the special court on December 22 prompted his appeal to the Delhi High Court. The special court’s ruling maintained the legality of Singh’s arrest and remand, underscoring the absence of necessity for his explicit inclusion in the First Information Report (FIR) or indictment in the primary excise policy case to be deemed an accused.
Earlier, the Delhi High Court had upheld Singh’s arrest and remand by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), citing the incipient stage of the investigation as a deterrent to judicial intervention. Subsequently, Singh sought recourse in the Supreme Court, prompting directives for a review of his bail plea independent of the earlier court observations.
In a separate development, a Delhi court recently granted Singh permission, under police escort, to attend the Rajya Sabha session for his oath-taking ceremony as a member of the Upper House for a consecutive term. Despite earlier denial due to scheduling conflicts, Singh was accorded this opportunity, highlighting the intersection of his legal battles with his parliamentary duties.
As the legal saga unfolds, Singh’s political future and legal standing remain subjects of keen interest, underscoring the intersection of law, politics, and governance in India’s dynamic socio-political landscape.
Sources By Agencies
