The Supreme Court has dismissed liquor businessman Sameer Mahendru’s bail application in a money laundering case linked to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam case.
A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and SVN Bhatti after reviewing the reviewing the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) report, which indicated no serious ailments, dismissed Mahendru’s plea for bail on health grounds. Mahendru, citing back and knee problems, had sought release based on health issues. On December 11, the bench instructed AIIMS to form a medical board to assess Mahendru and determine whether he required treatment that could be provided in jail.
The Apex Court, in its order, stated, “We are not inclined to interfere with the impugned judgment, and hence, the special leave petition is dismissed.” However, the court clarified that the dismissal of the petition would not affect any future application for regular bail. The apex court heard Mahendru’s appeal against the Delhi High Court’s October 19 decision denying him bail, emphasizing the need for a fair investigation over his right to healthcare.
Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Mahendru on September 28, 2022, in connection with the money laundering case. Prosecutors allege Mahendru significantly benefited from excise policy violations, operating an alcoholic beverage manufacturing unit and receiving wholesale and retail licenses in his relatives’ names, contrary to norms. The money laundering case originated from a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) FIR.
