A Special Court at Rouse Avenue has modified the bail condition for AAP MP Sanjay Singh, removing the requirement to inform the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) Investigation Officer (IO) about his detailed itinerary before leaving Delhi-NCR. However, the court has refused to release his diplomatic passport in connection with the Delhi Excise Policy money laundering case.
Court’s Ruling on Bail Conditions
Special Judge Kaveri Baweja partially allowed Singh’s plea, modifying the bail condition but maintaining the order for passport surrender. The court stated:
- It sees no valid reason to alter the April 3, 2024 order requiring Singh to surrender his passport.
- Singh’s claim that he cannot accept invitations for international events due to lack of a passport was not found convincing.
- Any international travel would still require prior court permission, regardless of diplomatic passport status.
Modification of Bail Condition
While the court declined to release his passport, it granted relief by modifying the bail condition requiring prior itinerary submission to the ED before leaving Delhi-NCR. The judge ruled:
- Singh no longer needs to share his detailed itinerary in advance with the ED IO before leaving Delhi.
- However, he must attend all court hearings and remain present as required.
ED’s Investigation and Court Observations
- The ED has concluded its investigation, and chargesheets (Main Prosecution Complaint & Supplementary Prosecution Complaint) have already been filed against all accused, including Sanjay Singh.
- The court noted that the ED did not argue that Singh might evade trial if the itinerary-sharing condition was lifted.
Legal Representation
- Advocates Dr. Farrukh Khan & Changez Khan represented Sanjay Singh.
- Special Counsel Zoheb Hossain & Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) N.K. Matta appeared for the ED.
Conclusion
While the court relaxed one bail condition, it maintained restrictions on Sanjay Singh’s travel, ensuring court oversight in the Delhi Excise Policy case. This ruling allows him more mobility within India, but any international travel will still require prior court approval.