MHA Seeks Presidential Sanction to Prosecute Former Delhi Minister Satyendar Jain

 New Delhi, February 15, 2025 – The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has formally requested the President’s approval to prosecute former Delhi minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Satyendar Jain under Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, officials confirmed on Friday.

The request follows an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which, according to officials, has presented "adequate evidence" in the case against the 60-year-old politician.

Jain’s Legal Battle and Allegations

Jain was arrested in May 2022 by the ED in connection with a money-laundering case linked to alleged hawala transactions. The case originates from an August 2017 FIR filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which accused Jain and his associates of possessing disproportionate assets.

In December 2018, the CBI filed a chargesheet stating that Jain’s alleged disproportionate assets amounted to ₹1.47 crore—217% higher than his known sources of income during 2015-2017.

The ED later filed a chargesheet, reinforcing the allegations of money laundering.

Bail and Political Setback

Satyendar Jain was granted bail in October 2024 after spending nearly two years in Tihar Jail, barring a 10-month medical bail period from May 2023 to March 2024. The court of Special Judge Vishal Gogne ordered his release on a ₹50,000 personal bond, citing the prolonged nature of the case and the unlikelihood of an immediate trial.

Upon his release, Jain was warmly received by AAP leaders and supporters. However, in a major political setback, he lost the Shakur Basti seat to BJP candidate Karnail Singh by a margin of 21,000 votes in the recently concluded Delhi Assembly elections.