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The Supreme Court of India has granted bail to Padam Chand Jain, an accused in the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scam, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The decision was announced on January 16, 2025, and the court emphasized that Jain’s bail was granted based on the merits of the case.
The JJM scam involves allegations of misappropriation of funds intended for water supply schemes under the government’s Jal Jeevan Mission. Jain was accused of financial irregularities and money laundering, leading to his arrest under the PMLA.
In a significant clarification during the proceedings, the Supreme Court distinguished this case from that of Manish Sisodia, former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi. It noted that bail to Jain was not granted under Article 142 of the Constitution, which provides extraordinary powers to the Supreme Court. The bench made it clear that Sisodia’s denial of bail in a separate case was based on the facts and circumstances specific to that case, and not linked to Article 142 considerations.
Legal experts view this as an essential clarification, ensuring that the misuse of extraordinary constitutional provisions does not become a norm in regular criminal cases.
The apex court’s ruling reiterates its commitment to a case-specific approach in matters of bail under special legislations like PMLA. While Jain’s release offers some relief, the investigation into the JJM scam continues, with authorities aiming to uncover the full scope of the alleged corruption.
This decision marks another chapter in the judiciary’s role in balancing the rights of accused individuals with the broader objectives of justice in high-profile financial cases.
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