Supreme Court Grants Interim Bail to Suspended IAS Officer in Money Laundering Case

The Supreme Court has granted interim bail to Chhattisgarh's suspended IAS officer Saumya Chaurasia in a money laundering case. The bench noted Chaurasia has been in custody for nearly two years, and directed her to cooperate with court proceedings and remain suspended until further notice.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday granted interim bail to Chhattisgarh's suspended IAS officer Saumya Chaurasia in a significant development in a money laundering case. A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta, and Ujjal Bhuyan observed that Chaurasia had already spent one year and nine months in custody, and charges against her have yet to be framed.

The court noted that some co-accused had already secured interim bail. The High Court highlighted delays due to non-execution of non-bailable warrants against certain absentees. Without delving into case merits, the Supreme Court provisionally granted bail, subject to Chaurasia's compliance with trial court conditions.

The court clarified that Chaurasia should not be reinstated and must remain suspended until further orders. She is instructed to attend proceedings, avoid tampering with evidence, and surrender her passport. The court scheduled further hearings for October 25, where Enforcement Directorate opposition to her bail will be examined. Chaurasia was arrested in December 2022 in connection with a coal levy scam.

(With inputs from agencies.)