October 18, 2024: In a significant development, former Delhi Health Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Satyendar Jain has been granted bail by a local court after spending over two years in custody related to a money laundering case. Jain was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in May 2022 and has been in Tihar jail since.

The court’s decision comes in light of the lengthy delay in the trial proceedings, with Special Judge Vishal Gogne citing Jain’s 18-month incarceration as a key factor in the ruling. "Considering the delay in trial and long incarceration, and the fact that the trial will take a long time to start, let alone conclude, the accused is favourably suited for the relief," the judge stated.

Jain previously received interim bail from the Supreme Court in May 2023 on medical grounds, but his request for regular bail was denied in March this year, leading to his return to jail.

He is the third AAP leader to be granted bail in recent months, following former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who received bail last month, and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, granted bail in August. Both Kejriwal and Sisodia are also embroiled in money laundering allegations tied to the controversial liquor policy of the national capital.

The AAP has consistently claimed that the Central government is using investigative agencies to target its leaders as part of a political strategy ahead of upcoming elections. The Centre, however, has dismissed these allegations.