Supreme Court Extends Bail for Accused in Chhattisgarh Coal-Levy Scam

The Supreme Court extends interim bail for Saumya Chaurasia, linked to the Chhattisgarh coal-levy scam, until January. The court refrained from reinstating her despite her lengthy custody and insufficient progress in the trial. The Enforcement Directorate continues to oppose her bail, citing her influence in obstructing justice.

The Supreme Court of India has extended the interim bail of Saumya Chaurasia, a key figure in the alleged Chhattisgarh coal-levy scam. The decision was announced on Thursday amidst ongoing deliberations surrounding the money laundering case that implicates high-profile networks of bureaucrats and politicians.

The interim bail, initially granted on September 25, followed Chaurasia's custody of more than one year and nine months. Despite this, charges are still pending against her. The bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan, will revisit the matter in January, focusing on the status of the trial.

Although the Chhattisgarh High Court had previously denied her bail, the Supreme Court instructed that she remain under suspension to prevent potential interference in the proceedings. The Enforcement Directorate, represented by Additional Solicitor General S V Raju, opposed the bail, citing Chaurasia's possible impact on the trial outcome due to her influential position.

(With inputs from agencies.)