New Delhi: A Delhi court on Tuesday granted bail to alleged conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar in a money laundering case linked to the AIADMK “two leaves” election symbol.
Special Judge Vishal Gogne granted relief on a personal bond and a surety bond of ₹5 lakh each. However, Chandrasekhar will remain in jail due to other pending cases against him.
In his order, the judge emphasized the importance of personal liberty, stating that courts must uphold constitutional values and cannot deny bail solely based on the nature of economic offences or special laws like the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The court observed that despite facing multiple cases—31 in total—Chandrasekhar had already been granted bail in 26 of them. It further noted that his detention in the present case had exceeded half of the maximum prescribed sentence under the law.
The judge also pointed out that proceedings in both the predicate offence and the current PMLA case have remained stayed for several years, leading to prolonged incarceration without trial.
The ruling underscored that extended detention without progress in trial cannot override an accused’s right to bail, even in serious financial crime cases.
