The Supreme Court has granted interim bail to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Satyendar Jain on medical grounds for a period of six weeks in a money laundering case. Jain, who served as Delhi’s former health minister, has been held in Tihar jail since his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in May of last year.
On Friday, the apex court ruled that Satyendar Jain must remain in Delhi with permission and refrain from making any statements to the media. However, he has been allowed to choose the hospital where he will receive treatment, provided he presents his medical records.
The need for medical attention arose after Jain collapsed in a bathroom at Tihar Jail and was subsequently admitted to Delhi’s Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital on Thursday. His condition worsened, leading to his transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU).
The Aam Aadmi Party reported that Jain was initially admitted to Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Hospital but was later moved to LNJP Hospital due to breathing difficulties. This marks the second time in a week that he has required hospitalization.
Satyendar Jain’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate last year was based on allegations of money laundering through shell companies and the purchase of land with illegal funds. The AAP leader has consistently denied these charges, attributing them to political motivations.
The Supreme Court, considering his medical condition, stated, “We are inclined to consider interim bail on medical grounds and grant him six weeks to receive medical treatment in private hospitals of his choice. He is being released on interim bail on medical grounds with conditions imposed by the trial court, including that he shall not influence or meet any witnesses.” This order will remain in effect until July 11.
According to a senior jail official, the incident leading to Jain’s hospitalization occurred around 6 am on Thursday when he slipped in the bathroom of the MI room at central jail number-7. He had been under observation for general weakness. Earlier in the week, he was taken to Safdarjung Hospital due to feeling unwell.
Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, shared a photo on Twitter showing Jain looking frail and emaciated while sitting in a chair at the hospital, with two police personnel standing nearby.
Satyendar Jain, a prominent member of the AAP and formerly holding key portfolios such as health, home, and urban development, resigned from his ministerial posts in January of this year while still in jail.
