Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 8: A Delhi court on Tuesday granted bail to alleged conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar in a money laundering case linked to the AIADMK’s “two leaves” election symbol bribery scandal. However, he will continue to remain in jail for now due to multiple other pending cases against him.
The order was passed by Special Judge Vishal Gogne at the Rouse Avenue Court, granting Chandrasekhar bail on a personal bond and surety of Rs 5 lakh each. The court observed that he had already spent more than half of the maximum seven-year sentence prescribed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) without trial in this case.
Emphasising the importance of personal liberty, the judge remarked that courts cannot “preach liberty” while simultaneously curtailing it under the guise of special laws or economic offences. While acknowledging that money laundering is a serious crime, the court held that laws such as PMLA cannot be used to unduly restrict an accused’s freedom for prolonged periods.
The case stems from a 2017 FIR registered by Delhi Police, which alleged that Chandrasekhar acted as a middleman for former AIADMK leader T. T. V. Dhinakaran. He was accused of attempting to bribe the Election Commission with Rs 50 lakh to secure the party’s “two leaves” symbol for the faction led by V. K. Sasikala.
Investigators had reportedly recovered Rs 1.3 crore in cash, suspected to be meant for influencing the poll panel. The Enforcement Directorate further alleged that Chandrasekhar facilitated the transfer of proceeds of crime amounting to Rs 2 crore from Chennai to Delhi and projected Rs 63.78 lakh as legitimate funds.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations and the existence of 31 cases against him, the court held that this alone could not override his right to bail in the present case, especially as he has already secured bail in 26 of them.
The court also took note of prolonged delays in proceedings, pointing out that both the predicate offence and the ED case have remained stayed by the Delhi High Court for several years. It observed that Chandrasekhar had already undergone extended detention and faced the likelihood of further incarceration without trial.
Citing provisions under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which mandates bail for undertrials who have served half of the maximum sentence (except in cases involving death or life imprisonment), the court said the case was “ripe” for granting relief.
Strict conditions have been imposed, including surrendering his passport, restrictions on foreign travel, and a prohibition on contacting or influencing witnesses.
However, despite securing bail in this case, Chandrasekhar will not be released immediately as he continues to remain in custody in connection with other pending criminal cases.