Delhi High Court Issues Notice to ED on Satyendar Jain's Plea in Money Laundering Case

Delhi High Court has issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate regarding a plea by former minister Satyendar Jain challenging the trial court's orders in a money laundering case. Jain argues his right to default bail due to incomplete investigation by ED. The case is set for August 2024.

On Thursday, the Delhi High Court issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) following a plea from Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former cabinet minister Satyendar Jain. Jain is challenging the trial court's cognisance order and subsequent judicial remand related to a money laundering case.

Justice Neena Bansal Krishna's bench has sought a response from the ED and scheduled the matter for a hearing on August 22, 2024. Representing Satyendar Jain in court were Senior Advocate N Hariharan and Advocate Mayank Jain.

Earlier, in May, the Delhi High Court had also issued a notice to the ED regarding Jain's default bail plea, which was previously denied by the Rouse Avenue Court. Jain argues that the ED has not completed its investigation, violating his right to default bail under the statutory period as per Section 167 (2) Cr.P.C.

Jain contends that the prosecution's chargesheet was incomplete and, therefore, an attempt to deny his default bail. Citing his fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, Jain argues that a chargesheet should be filed only when the investigation is fully complete.

Despite a previously dismissed bail plea, the High Court had highlighted Jain's influential status and potential to tamper with evidence. Jain was arrested under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on May 30, 2022, and remains in judicial custody.

The ED's case against Jain is based on a CBI complaint alleging that he had acquired unexplained movable properties between February 2015 and May 2017. The trials and legal proceedings continue as the case awaits further hearing.

(With inputs from agencies.)