Former Delhi minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Satyendar Jain has been granted bail by a Delhi court in a corruption case concerning alleged irregularities in the tendering of sewage treatment plant (STP) projects for the Delhi Jal Board (DJB).
Special Judge Digvinay Singh of the Rouse Avenue Court granted Jain bail against a ₹2 lakh bond and two sureties of the same amount.
Jain was arrested by the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) on August 18 in connection with the case. He was taken into custody more than two years after the FIR was registered.
During the bail proceedings, Jain’s lawyer, N Harisharan, questioned the timing of the arrest. The defence told the court that Jain had been called for questioning only once during the 27 months since the case was registered. According to the defence, he was arrested when he appeared for another round of questioning.
The defence also argued that there was no need for Jain to remain in custody because the case was largely based on documentary evidence. His lawyers submitted that the investigating agency had already collected and seized the relevant documents and other material.
The ACB opposed the bail application and alleged that Jain was a habitual offender. The agency urged the court to take this allegation into account while considering whether he should be released on bail.
The former minister was produced before the Rouse Avenue Court on Thursday after the expiry of his judicial custody, following which the court considered the bail application.
What Is The Delhi Jal Board Case?
The case relates to alleged wrongdoing in the tendering process for sewage treatment plant projects carried out by the Delhi Jal Board.
Jain has been booked under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Indian Penal Code. The allegations relate to the manner in which contracts connected with the DJB’s STP projects were awarded.
The bail order concerns Jain’s custody in this case and does not amount to a finding that the allegations against him have been proved.
