Delhi HC Grants bail to Avtar S. Kochar in Money Laundering and MCOCA Case

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday granted bail to Avtar Singh Kochar in both the money laundering and the MCOCA case. Kochar is accused in the Rs 200 crore money laundering case, which allegedly involves Sukesh Chandrasekar and Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez.

Having been in custody for the past two years, Avtar Singh Kochar secured bail from Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma, who took into account his period of custody, age, and medical conditions.

The High Court considered the defendant’s argument that the trial is unlikely to conclude in the near future. In granting bail, the court mandated a personal bond of Rs 5 lakh and two surety bonds of the same amount in each case. Specific conditions were imposed, including obtaining court permission before leaving the country and refraining from influencing any witness directly or indirectly. Additionally, Kochar must provide his phone number to the IO of the EOW and register his presence in the EOW office.

Avtar Singh Kochar, a 69-year-old accused, is involved in the MCOCA case registered by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW). The Delhi police initiated the case based on a complaint from Aditi Singh, alleging the extortion of Rs 200 crore. Sukesh Chandrasekar and other accused individuals were arrested by the Delhi police, who have already filed a charge sheet.

Subsequently, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted an investigation under PMLA after filing a complaint. Following ED’s charge sheet, a special court in New Delhi issued summons to Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez and other accused individuals. Jacqueline Fernandez, upon appearing before the court, was granted bail by the special judge at Patiala House Court in New Delhi.

Both cases are currently under consideration before a special judge.