Home Ministry seeks president's nod to prosecute AAP's Satyendra Jain
What's the story
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sought the President's approval to prosecute former Delhi Minister Satyendra Kumar Jain.
The request is based on evidence collected by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which allegedly gives enough grounds to initiate legal proceedings against Jain, ANI reported.
"Ministry of Home Affairs has requested the President to grant prosecution sanction for initiating legal proceedings against...Jain, under Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023," ANI sources stated.
Ongoing investigation
Jain's legal troubles and ED's investigation
Jain has been under the scanner over alleged financial irregularities and other charges. The ED has been probing him in a money laundering case dating back to 2017.
The case revolves around allegations that Jain laundered money through a web of shell companies during his stint as a minister.
In August 2017, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered an FIR against Jain under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Legal proceedings
Jain's arrest and subsequent bail
After the CBI's FIR, the ED launched a probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), accusing Jain of laundering money through several shell companies.
On May 30, 2022, Jain was arrested by the ED based on evidence of his involvement in money laundering.
He spent nearly 18 months in custody before being granted bail in October 2024 due to prolonged incarceration and trial delays.
Trial update
ED urges court to frame charges against Jain
As of January 2025, the ED has asked a Delhi court to frame charges against Jain, claiming that there is enough evidence to continue the trial.
The court has fixed further hearings to discuss the framing of charges.
The ED claims that Jain, in collusion with associates, helped transfer unaccounted money through a complex web of shell companies.
The money was allegedly used to acquire assets and properties.