Sipu Jha
A Delhi court on Tuesday granted bail to alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar in a money laundering case linked to the AIADMK’s “two leaves” election symbol.Special Judge Vishal Gogne allowed the plea, directing his release on a personal bond and a surety bond of Rs 5 lakh each. However, Chandrashekhar will continue to remain in custody in connection with other pending cases against him, news agency PTI reported.In a strongly worded order, the court underscored that personal liberty is a fundamental constitutional value and cannot be curtailed disproportionately, even in cases involving economic offences.“Liberty being the most sacrosanct norm in our Constitution, the court cannot preach liberty from its decisions while playing footsie with the state upon the bogey of special legislation or economic offences,” the judge observed, according to PTI.While acknowledging the seriousness of money laundering offences under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the court said such laws cannot be used to unduly deny an accused their right to bail.The judge noted that the existence of multiple cases against Chandrashekhar does not automatically justify continued detention in this particular matter, especially when he has already secured bail in a majority of them.He further pointed out that proceedings in both the predicate offence and the PMLA case have remained effectively stayed for years, leading to prolonged incarceration without trial.“Thus, the accused has not only undergone excessive detention during trial but also stands to suffer further prolonged detention without trial,” the court said.
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