India’s Supreme Court has granted bail to Sanjay Singh, an opposition MP and leader of Delhi’s governing Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), in a high-profile money laundering case. Singh was arrested in October as part of an investigation into the city’s now-scrapped policies concerning alcohol sales, a move that drew attention from political circles and the public.
Background
Singh’s arrest stemmed from allegations related to Delhi’s policies on alcohol sales, which were implemented in 2022 but later scrapped. The investigation, led by India’s financial crimes agency, focused on whether the policies unfairly benefited private retailers and if AAP leaders received bribes in exchange for granting liquor licenses.
Court Proceedings
Singh, who denies the corruption allegations, challenged his arrest in court. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court observed that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) did not recover any illegal funds from him, a crucial factor in its decision to grant bail. However, a separate plea by Singh accusing the ED of illegal arrest was dismissed by the court.
Political Context
Singh’s release comes amid heightened political tensions, particularly ahead of the upcoming general elections. His arrest, along with that of Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, drew criticism from opposition parties, accusing the government of stifling dissent. The AAP maintains that the cases against its leaders are politically motivated, while opposition parties allege misuse of federal investigation agencies by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
AAP’s Response
The AAP has consistently denied any wrongdoing and insists that the cases against its leaders are part of a broader political vendetta. Founded on an anti-corruption platform, the party views itself as a victim of targeted harassment by the BJP-led government.
The bail granted to Sanjay Singh by the Supreme Court provides a temporary respite for the AAP leader in a case that has significant political implications. As the legal proceedings unfold, the spotlight remains on the intersection of law, politics, and allegations of corruption in India’s political landscape, particularly in the lead-up to the general elections.
