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Synopsis

Special Judge M. K. Nagpal of Rouse Avenue Court "dismissed" AAP MP Sanjay Singh's bail plea on Friday in connection with a money laundering case related to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam.

Singh is currently in judicial custody till January 10, 2024.

Notably, on December 12, the court reserved the orders on the bail application filed by AAP leader. The Special Judge reserved the order after hearing arguments from Singh's counsel, Senior Advocate Mohit Mathur, as well as the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Mathur argued that Singh, a Rajya Sabha MP, was not called for questioning by the ED until October 4, 2023, the day he was arrested. The counsel highlighted contradictions in the statements of Dinesh Arora, an accused-turned-approver, and other witnesses.

Mathur emphasized that Arora's statement was hearsay and questioned its credibility, describing Arora as a "tainted" witness and a "guilty accomplice." Singh's counsel asserted that the request was for bail, not discharge, emphasizing the importance of personal liberty under the Constitution.

The ED opposed Singh's bail application, contending that the investigation was ongoing and that Singh's release could potentially obstruct the probe, tamper with evidence, and influence witnesses.

The court directed the ED to submit any written submissions within two days and asked Singh's counsel to file a rejoinder within a day thereafter.

The Enforcement Directorate had arrested Sanjay Singh on October 4, alleging that he played a pivotal role in formulating and implementing the now-scrapped excise policy.

The ED claimed that this policy favored 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