Controversial bail: Businessman released amid alleged ED misdeeds

A Delhi court has granted bail to businessman Rajesh Katyal amid a significant money laundering controversy involving Rs 241 crore. The decision sharply criticized the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for allegedly ignoring the orders of the Supreme Court during the arrest. Special Judge Gaurav Gupta termed the ED’s approach as ‘brazen’ and ‘contrary’ to the court’s guidelines.

Justice Gupta pointed out arguments by senior advocates Vikas Pahwa and Geeta Luthra, who represented Katyal, and pointed to an existing decree of the Delhi High Court to maintain the status quo, which the ED allegedly ignored. This court order was based on an FIR that fueled the ED’s case and reportedly led to an arrest on questionable grounds.

Highlighting further inconsistencies, the judge remarked on the lack of disclosure by the ED on quashed FIRs in previous remand applications and pointed out the ED’s selective processing of transactions that distorted their claims of criminal proceeds. In addition, the legitimacy of the predicate offense was questioned, complicating the prosecutor’s claims of financial misconduct.

(With input from agencies.)