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Synopsis

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday 'denied' bail to AAP MP Sanjay Singh in a money laundering case related to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam.

"No ground of bail is made out at this stage," Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma ordered.

However, Justice Sharma directed the trial court to expeditiously conclude the trial once it commences. 

"The accused in the case is entitled to a fair trial, a fundamental principle of justice that must be upheld. In light of this, the court directs the trial court to expedite the trial in the current case once it commences...so that the accused's rights are protected and justice is served without undue delay, subject to the condition that neither the counsel for the accused nor the counsel for prosecution will seek unnecessary adjournment. Disposed of," the court ordered orally.

Notably, on January 31, the court reserved order in the AAP leader's bail plea.

Sanjay Singh had approached the high court seeking bail on January 4, following the dismissal of his plea by Special Judge M.K. Nagpal of Rouse Avenue Court on December 22, 2023.

Senior Advocate Mohit Mathur appeared for Singh, and Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV Raju appeared for ED. 

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) asserted before the court that Singh played a role in establishing a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to launder "proceeds of crime" associated with an alleged liquor scam, resulting from changes in the excise policy.

The ED's affidavit alleged Singh's active involvement in acquiring, concealing, and utilizing the proceeds of crime. The financial probe agency contended that Singh collaborated with individuals like Dinesh Arora and Amit Arora.

According to the agency, Singh played a crucial role in forming a special purpose vehicle, named M/s Aralias Hospitality Pvt Ltd, to launder the proceeds of crime generated through business activities influenced by the policy changes. The ED further claimed that Singh received illegal money or kickbacks from the alleged excise policy (2021–22) scam and was part of a broader conspiracy.

The investigation reportedly revealed that Singh received Rs. 2 crore as proceeds of crime.

Senior Advocate Mohit Mathur representing Singh argued that his client had been in custody for three months without clear attribution of a role in the predicate offence. Mathur highlighted that Singh's arrest relied on the statement of the ED's "star witness".

The Enforcement Directorate arrested Sanjay Singh on October 4 last year, alleging that he played a pivotal role in formulating and implementing the now-scrapped excise policy. The ED claimed that this policy favoured specific liquor manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers for financial gain. Sanjay Singh has consistently denied these allegations, asserting his innocence in the matter.

Case Title: Sanjay Singh v. Directorate of Enforcement