Excise Policy: Delhi High Court Seeks ED’s Response On Bail Plea Of Vijay Nair In Money Laundering Case

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought response of Enforcement Directorate (ED) on the bail plea moved by Aam Aadmi Party communications-in-charge Vijay Nair in a money laundering case in relation to national capital's excise policy of 2021-22.

Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma issued notice on Nair’s plea and listed the matter for hearing on May 19.

In his plea moved through Advocate Samudra Sarangi, Nair has submitted that he is being victimized on account of his “political affiliation” and that there is no merit in the FIR or the ECIR being probed by the investigating agencies.

“The petitioner is only the media and communications in charge of AAP and does not hold any position with the Delhi Government of whatsoever nature and is therefore not involved in the drafting, framing or implementation of the Excise Policy in any manner,” the plea adds.

Nair, along with co-accused persons Sameer Mahendru, Sharath Reddy, Abhishek Boinpally and Benoy Babu, were denied bail by special judge of Rouse Avenue Courts on February 16.

The trial court had noted that further investigation was still pending and it was not possible to hold that they would make no attempt to tamper with the evidence, if released.

The money laundering case arises out of the FIR initially registered by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

As per the FIR registered by CBI, Nair is accused of entering into a criminal conspiracy with other individuals related to Delhi Government's excise policy of 2021-22.

Nair and Boinpally were granted bail in CBI case by trial court in October last year. However, they were later taken in custody by the Enforcement Directorate in the money laundering case. 

CBI has approached Delhi High Court against the grant of bail to both Nair and Boinpally. The challenge is pending adjudication.