In a significant development, the Supreme Court has granted bail to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of Parliament, Sanjay Singh, in the Delhi Excise Policy case. The apex court ruled that Singh would be released during the pendency of the trial. The decision comes as a relief for Sanjay Singh, who was embroiled in the Delhi Excise Policy case. The Supreme Court’s intervention allows Singh to be released from custody while the trial progresses.
Bail during trial
A bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna, Dipankar Datta, and Prasanna B Varale ordered Singh’s release on bail while the trial continues. The decision provided relief to Singh, who was detained in connection with the Delhi liquor policy case.
Concession by Enforcement Directorate
During the court proceedings, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju stated that although the ED had a case against Singh, it was willing to concede, allowing Singh to be released on bail. This concession from the ED paved the way for the Supreme Court’s decision.
Observations on bail merits
The Supreme Court, before the lunch break, had signalled its inclination to grant bail to Singh, citing the provisions of Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This section mandates that the court must consider releasing the accused if there are reasonable grounds to believe in their innocence and that they will not commit any offense while on bail.
Implications and observations
The court emphasised the significance of Section 45, instructing the prosecution to consider its implications during the trial. Additionally, the court noted that businessman Dinesh Arora, the accused-turned-approver, had not initially implicated Singh in his statements.
Background of the case
Singh’s arrest by the ED on October 4, 2023, stemmed from his alleged involvement in the framing and implementation of the now-defunct Delhi Excise Policy, which the ED claims favored specific liquor entities. Despite previous bail rejections by lower courts, Singh’s appeal reached the Supreme Court, culminating in Tuesday’s bail grant.
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