AAP leader & former Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain granted bail; court empasises right to a prompt trial
AAP leader and former Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain was released on bail on Friday, two years after being arrested for his involvement in a money laundering case. “The trial is yet to begin, let alone conclude,” a Delhi court said, pointing out Jain’s 18-month long imprisonment.
The Rouse Avenue Court cited the Supreme Court’s decision in the case of Manish Sisodia, highlighting the importance of the right to a prompt trial when granting bail.
Jain was arrested in May 2022 on money laundering charges
On May 30, 2022, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) detained the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for supposedly funneling money through four shell companies associated with 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.
Also read: AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan detained by Enforcement Directorate
The court’s decision was largely based on the Manish Sisodia case verdict from the Supreme Court, which established a precedent on the right to a quick trial.
The ED, handling the case, firmly objected to Jain’s request for bail. Nonetheless, the court pointed out that Jain has already served a substantial period in detention and that the trial is unlikely to start anytime soon, let alone finish in the near future.
The court concluded that based on the parameters set in the Sisodia case, Jain is entitled to bail.
Also read: Supreme Court grants bail to AAP leader Manish Sisodia
Arvind Kejriwal reacts strongly to Satyendar Jain’s bail
Reacting to Jain’s bail, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal said that PM Modi put him in jail for closing down mohalla clinics and stopping free treatment for the poor.
“Satyendra Jain also got bail after spending more than two years in jail. What was his fault? Several raids were conducted at his place. Not even a single penny was recovered. His only fault was that he built mohalla clinics and made all treatment free for all the people of Delhi. Modi ji put him in jail for closing down mohalla clinics and stopping free treatment for the poor. But God is with us. Today he too has been released. Welcome back Satyendra!” Kejriwal said in a post on X.
