Supreme Court Grants Bail to Vijay Nair in Delhi Excise Policy Case

The Supreme Court granted bail to Vijay Nair in a money laundering case related to the Delhi Excise Policy. Nair, in custody for 23 months, was granted bail by Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti. The court emphasized the right of liberty under Article 21, affirming it must be respected.

The Supreme Court on Monday granted bail to Vijay Nair in a money laundering case tied to alleged irregularities under the Delhi Excise Policy. Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti granted bail, given Nair's 23-month custody duration.

Reiterating the legal principle that bail is the norm and jail the exception, the court said prolonged custody of the petitioner without trial violates this rule. The bail conditions are aligned with those in the cases of Manish Sisodia and K Kavitha.

The court underscored the sanctity of liberty as enshrined in Article 21, noting Nair's long detention without trial commencement cannot serve as punishment. His bail application followed rejections at both trial and high court levels, despite his claims of being victimized due to political affiliations and denying all charges.

Nair's initial arrest by the CBI in September 2022 and subsequent detainment by the Enforcement Directorate point to alleged receipt of Rs 100 crore kickbacks. Authorities claim these were linked to the excise policy modifications that favored certain parties.

(With inputs from agencies.)