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New Delhi : In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court has upheld the denial of bail to suspended Jharkhand cadre IAS officer Pooja Singhal in connection with a money laundering case, citing its extraordinary nature.
The apex court, led by a bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta, described Singhal’s case as “extraordinary” and upheld the decision of the Jharkhand High Court to deny her bail.
Acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations and the ongoing trial, the Supreme Court stressed the need for a prompt conclusion to the legal proceedings. With a significant number of prosecution witnesses already examined by the Enforcement Directorate, the court expressed hope for a swift trial.
While rejecting Singhal’s bail plea, the court granted her the liberty to renew her plea under changed circumstances or if the trial prolongs, ensuring a legal avenue for reconsideration in the future.
The bail plea faced opposition from the Enforcement Directorate, represented by Additional Solicitor General SV Raju. Raju highlighted Singhal’s substantial period of custody, including time spent in a Ranchi hospital.
Singhal has been in custody since May 11, 2022, following raids on properties associated with her in connection with the money laundering case. The allegations stem from suspected corruption in the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The Enforcement Directorate’s investigations led to the seizure of over Rs 36 crore cash linked to alleged illegal mining activities.
Suspension and Ongoing Probe
Singhal’s arrest prompted her suspension from the position of state mines department secretary. The probe extended to include her businessman husband, a chartered accountant, and other individuals linked to the couple, forming a complex legal backdrop to the case.
