The Supreme Court on Monday has granted bail to Vijay Nair in connection with the Delhi Excise Policy case, which involves alleged money laundering. Nair had been in custody for 23 months.
The court’s decision, delivered by Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti, emphasized that “bail is the rule and jail is the exception,” and that prolonged detention without trial undermines this principle. The court noted that Nair’s right to liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution must be upheld, even under stringent laws.
Nair had previously challenged a Delhi High Court decision denying him bail. The trial court had also rejected his bail plea. Nair, who was initially arrested by the CBI in September 2022 and later by the ED, argued for bail based on parity with co-accused Manish Sisodia, who has been granted bail. Nair’s lawyer claimed that continued detention was unjust as the trial had not yet begun.
In his bail plea, Nair asserted that he was merely the media and communications in charge for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and had no role in drafting or implementing the excise policy. He claimed he was being “victimized” for his political affiliations and that his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) was “illegal” and politically motivated.
The ED alleged that Nair, representing AAP leaders, received kickbacks of around Rs 100 crore from a group known as the “south group.” Nair, a former Media and Communication In-charge of AAP and ex-CEO of Only Much Louder, was accused of involvement in irregularities related to the excise policy, including undue favors to license holders and improper extensions of the L-1 license, which is required for wholesale liquor distribution.
The Supreme Court’s decision to grant bail reflects its commitment to safeguarding individual liberties while ensuring that legal procedures are followed.
