Satyendar Jain Granted Interim Bail on Medical Grounds: Supreme Court

In a recent development, the Supreme Court has granted interim bail to Aam Admi Party (AAP) leader Satyendar Jain for a period of six weeks on medical grounds. This decision comes after Jain’s health deteriorated, leading to his hospitalization and subsequent collapse at the Tihar Jail. He was immediately admitted to the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital and later shifted to the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital due to breathing difficulties.

Jain, who has been in judicial custody since May of the previous year, has been granted bail until July 11. The next hearing in the Supreme Court is scheduled for July 10. This temporary release will allow Jain to receive necessary medical treatment and recuperate from his health issues.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) expressed doubts regarding the medical reports from LNJP Hospital and stated that they cannot trust them. The ED suggested that Jain should undergo examination by a panel of doctors at AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences). However, it is worth noting that Jain had withdrawn a previous bail plea when the agency requested an examination at AIIMS.

During the proceedings, ASG SV Raju, representing the ED, raised concerns that the reports from LNJP Hospital could be falsified. In response, senior advocate AM Singhvi, who appeared on behalf of Jain, argued that the reports from GB Pant Hospital confirmed the urgent need for medical attention, citing Jain’s significant weight loss and his placement on a surgery list for vertebrae-related issues. Raju countered Singhvi’s argument, claiming that Jain’s weight loss was due to fasting as a Jain, and he had not been eating regular meals.

The Apex Court, while granting interim bail to Jain, has imposed certain conditions. Justice JK Maheshwari stated that Jain would be released on interim bail for six weeks, allowing him to seek treatment at a private hospital of his choice. However, the court emphasized that Jain must adhere to the conditions set by the trial court, including not influencing or meeting with any witnesses. Furthermore, Jain is prohibited from tampering with evidence or leaving Delhi. The court has also requested Jain’s latest medical reports to be presented on July 10.

It is important to recall that the Enforcement Directorate arrested Satyendar Jain on May 30, the previous year, under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED’s case is based on a complaint registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), alleging that Jain had acquired movable properties in the names of various individuals between February 14, 2015, and May 31, 2017, without providing satisfactory explanations for the same.

The Supreme Court’s decision to grant interim bail to Satyendar Jain on medical grounds provides him with an opportunity to receive necessary medical treatment and recover from his health issues. While the Enforcement Directorate expressed concerns about the medical reports, Jain’s legal team argued for the urgency of his condition and the need for medical attention. As Jain begins his temporary release, the court has set certain conditions to ensure the integrity of the legal proceedings. All eyes will be on the upcoming court hearing on July 10, when Jain’s latest medical reports will be presented.