New Delhi- On Friday, the Rouse Avenue Court granted bail to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi cabinet minister Satyendar Jain, who had been incarcerated for 18 months in a money laundering case. Special Judge Vishal Gogne granted bail to Jain on a bond of Rs. 50,000 and a surety of the same amount.

Jain was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on May 30, 2022, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED alleges that Jain laundered money through shell companies and the proceeds of crime amount to Rs. 4.81 crore. The case was registered in 2017, but a prosecution complaint was filed only in 2022.

Senior advocate N Hariharan, along with advocate Vivek Jain, argued for Jain's bail, stating that he posed no flight risk and would not influence witnesses. They highlighted delays in the investigation and trial, noting that charges hadn't been filed despite five years of inquiries.

The defense compared Jain's case with those of other high-profile detainees, citing that Manish Sisodia was granted bail after 17 months and K Kavitha secured bail within five months. They argued that the lengthy incarceration violated Jain's constitutional right to life and personal liberty under Article 21.

Special Counsel Zoheb Hossain opposed the bail plea, citing delays caused by the accused seeking multiple adjournments.

The court acknowledged Jain's lengthy imprisonment, noting that he had served nearly 18 months. Jain's wife and daughter wept in court after the bail order was announced.